Mitsuri's voice bubbled with excitement as she prattled on aboutthe virtues of floral patterns in traditional Japanese kimono designs. "You see, Rui, Nezuko, the intricacy of the sakura blossoms symbolizes the fleeting beauty of life, while the chrysanthemums represent longevity and endurance..." She paused suddenly, blinking as if realizing something. "Oh, wait, why am I going on about this? We have more important matters to discuss!"
"So there's this group of demons who are currently residing in the sewers of a nearby town. Usually demons don't really form groups, aside from you and your... uhm... family, Rui... so I find it odd that there's one existing at this current moment," Mitsuri explained earnestly.
Rui's expression shifted slightly, a hint of offense flickering in his eyes at Mitsuri's unintentional jab from inside the box. Clearing his throat, he replied, "Well, I'll have you know, Mitsuri, my 'family,' as you put it, was quite formidable and efficient in our own right. It did take numerous slayers to even kill them off."
Mitsuri quickly caught the change in Rui's demeanor and realized her misstep, "Oh, Rui, I'm sorry if that came out wrong. I didn't mean to undermine your family's strength."
"Thank you, Mitsuri. I appreciate it," he replied, his tone more relaxed now.
"As I was saying," Mitsuri resumed, "the group of demons we're targeting are supposedly traitors who have broken free from Muzan's control, much like you and the demon siblings." She glanced at Rui, gauging his reaction.
Rui nodded, understanding the parallel.
"I see. So they've defied Muzan's authority just like we did. That makes them dangerous and unpredictable," he remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice for their defiance against the powerful demon king.
Mitsuri nodded in agreement.
"Exactly. Which is why it's crucial that we apprehend them before they cause any chaos or harm to innocent people," she added, emphasizing the importance of their mission.
Rui nodded in agreement, his expression serious.
"Yes, we can't allow renegade demons to roam freely and endanger others. We'll need to be cautious and decisive in dealing with them," he affirmed, his determination evident in his tone.
Mitsuri smiled appreciatively at Rui's resolve.
"That's the spirit, Rui. With your skills and Nezuko's strength, I'm confident we can handle whatever challenges come our way," she said, expressing her confidence in their abilities as a team.
Nezuko, who had been quietly listening, nodded in silent agreement, ready to support her companions in whatever lay ahead.
—
As the group arrived at the village late at night, Mitsuri peered down into the dark abyss of the sewer entrance, her brow furrowing with concern.
"Oh, um, do we really have to go down there?" she asked hesitantly, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Rui and Nezuko exchanged a glance, understanding Mitsuri's discomfort but knowing there was no other option.
"Yes, Mitsuri. This is where the demons are hiding," Rui replied calmly, trying to reassure her.
Taking a deep breath, Mitsuri nodded, steeling herself for what lay ahead.
"Right, of course. Let's just get this over with," she muttered, mustering her courage.
As they descended into the murky depths of the sewer, Mitsuri couldn't help but grimace as the foul odor assaulted her senses. But what truly sent her into a minor panic was the thought of her meticulously styled hair and pristine socks getting dirty.
"Oh no, my hair! And my socks! They're going to be ruined!" she exclaimed, frantically trying to protect her hair from brushing against the damp walls and lifting her feet gingerly to avoid any contact with the grimy water below.
Rui and Nezuko exchanged amused glances, understanding Mitsuri's obsession with cleanliness even in the direst of situations. Despite her fussing, they pressed on, determined to complete their mission no matter the obstacles.
As the group continued deeper into the labyrinthine tunnels of the sewer, they were suddenly greeted by a nonhostile demon who had been anticipating their arrival.
"Welcome, travelers," the demon said with a calm voice, surprising Mitsuri, Rui, and Nezuko.
Mitsuri's eyes widened in astonishment.
"You... you're not attacking us?" she asked, her voice a mixture of disbelief and relief.
The demon shook his head, "No, I've been expecting you. My name is Kaito. I am one of the demons who broke free from Muzan's control, just like Rui and the demon siblings."
Rui and Nezuko exchanged cautious glances, but they remained on guard, ready for any sudden movements.
"Why did you anticipate our arrival?" Rui asked, his tone guarded but curious.
Kaito's expression turned somber.
"I've been monitoring the movements of Muzan's forces, and I knew that eventually, someone would come seeking us out. I want to help you," he replied earnestly.
Mitsuri's eyes sparkled with hope.
"You do? But why?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Because I believe in freedom and justice. And I know that Muzan's tyranny must be stopped," Kaito answered, his gaze unwavering.
Rui nodded, acknowledging Kaito's words.
"Thank you, Kaito. Your assistance will be invaluable to us," he said, a hint of gratitude in his voice.
"Before we proceed," Kaito began, his voice echoing softly in the damp confines of the sewer, "there's someone you need to meet. Our leader."
Mitsuri's eyebrows lifted in surprise.
"Your leader? Who is it?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Kaito nodded solemnly. "Her name is Ayaka. She's been instrumental in helping us break free from Muzan's control and organizing our group. But she's cautious, understandably so. She'll need to be convinced of the Demon Slayer Corps' intentions before she agrees to any sort of alliance."
Rui exchanged a meaningful glance with Nezuko, silently acknowledging the importance of this meeting.
"We understand," he replied, his voice firm with determination. "Lead the way, Kaito. We'll do whatever it takes to gain Ayaka's trust and cooperation."
With Kaito as their guide, the group continued deeper into the sewers, their resolve strengthened by the possibility of forging an alliance with the renegade demons and bolstering their efforts against Muzan's oppressive regime.
As they arrived at Ayaka's quarters, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. Kaito stepped forward and knocked on the door, and after a moment, it creaked open to reveal Ayaka standing inside.
"Welcome, travelers," Ayaka greeted them, her voice echoing with a mixture of authority and warmth, "I've been expecting you."
Mitsuri couldn't help but admire Ayaka's presence, sensing the power and wisdom that radiated from her.
"Thank you for seeing us, Ayaka," she replied respectfully, bowing slightly.
Ayaka returned the gesture before motioning for them to enter her quarters.
"Please, come in. Let us talk," she said, leading them to a seating area where they could converse in relative comfort.
Once they were all settled, Ayaka began to explain her unique blood demon art and how it played a crucial role in freeing demons from Muzan's control.
"My blood demon art allows me to manipulate the blood within a demon's body," Ayaka explained, her voice steady and confident. "By doing so, I can disrupt the connection between the demon and Muzan, weakening his hold over them and giving them the chance to break free."
Rui's eyes widened with interest, impressed by Ayaka's abilities.
"That's incredible," he remarked, his admiration evident.
Ayaka nodded, her expression solemn, "It is a difficult and dangerous process, but it's the only way to truly liberate demons from Muzan's tyranny."
Mitsuri listened intently, feeling a surge of respect for Ayaka and her dedication to freeing her fellow demons, "Thank you for sharing that with us, Ayaka. Your courage and determination are truly inspiring."
Ayaka's eyes softened at Mitsuri's words, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Thank you, young Hashira. Your kind words mean a great deal to me," she replied, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.
Turning her gaze to Rui and Nezuko, Ayaka's expression grew thoughtful.
"I must admit, I've never heard of a demon breaking out of Muzan's control on their own before, aside from Lady Tamayo," she remarked, her tone tinged with curiosity.
Rui nodded, understanding the significance of Ayaka's observation, "It's rare, but not impossible. Nezuko, Gyutaro, Daki and I managed to break free without much difficulty, although we all (with the exception of Nezuko) ended up getting marked."
Nezuko nodded in agreement, her gaze steady as she recalled their struggle to break free from Muzan's influence.
Ayaka studied them for a moment, a sense of respect evident in her gaze.
"You are exceptional, then. To defy Muzan's control and forge your own path... it speaks volumes about your strength and resilience," she remarked, her voice tinged with admiration.
Mitsuri listened to Ayaka's words with a sense of admiration, but curiosity still lingered in her mind, "Ayaka, may I ask what your goals are and if your group poses any threat to humans?"
Ayaka considered Mitsuri's question for a moment before responding, "Our goal is simple: to rid the world of Muzan and his oppressive reign. We seek to create a world where both demons and humans can coexist peacefully."
"As for whether we pose a threat to humans, I can assure you that we do not. We only target those who serve Muzan and perpetuate his cycle of violence and suffering," Ayaka added, her tone sincere.
Mitsuri nodded, reassured by Ayaka's words, "Thank you for clarifying, Ayaka. It's comforting to know that we share the same goal of bringing an end to Muzan's tyranny."
Rui, sensing an opportunity to further their cause, spoke up with a thoughtful expression. "Ayaka, what about the Twelve Kizuki? Do you think your blood demon art could potentially free one of them from Muzan's control?"
Ayaka's expression grew somber as she considered Rui's question.
"It's... unlikely," she admitted with a sigh. "While my blood demon art is powerful, the Twelve Kizuki are among Muzan's most loyal and powerful servants. Breaking their connection to him would require a level of strength and skill that I'm not sure I possess."
Rui nodded understandingly, acknowledging the magnitude of the task. "I see. It was worth asking."
Ayaka placed a reassuring hand on Rui's shoulder.
"But that doesn't mean we won't find a way to defeat them and weaken Muzan's hold over his forces," she said firmly, her gaze determined.
As Ayaka spoke with determination, a sudden disturbance broke the solemnity of the moment. From the shadows emerged a figure, cloaked in the blood of Ayaka's brethren, his presence ominous and foreboding.
Mitsuri's eyes widened in alarm as she recognized the newcomer.
"Akaza..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Rui and Nezuko tensed, readying themselves for whatever confrontation lay ahead, their expressions hardening with resolve.
Ayaka's gaze hardened as she locked eyes with the blood-soaked demon before her.
"Upper Rank Three," she said, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "What brings you here?"
Akaza's lips curled into a sinister smile as he stepped forward, his crimson-stained hands clenched into fists.
"I've come to put an end to your little rebellion, Ayaka," he replied, his voice dripping with malice. "You and your pathetic band of traitors stand no chance against Muzan's might."
Mitsuri stepped forward, her hand instinctively reaching for her sword.
"We won't let you harm Ayaka or her allies," she declared, her voice ringing with determination.
Rui and Nezuko flanked Mitsuri, their resolve unwavering as they faced down the formidable adversary before them.
Ayaka remained calm, her gaze unwavering as she met Akaza's intense stare.
"We may be outmatched, but we will not back down," she stated defiantly, her voice resolute.
Mitsuri's mind raced as she faced off against the formidable Akaza, her thoughts drifting back to a conversation she had with Rengoku after his harrowing battle on the Mugen Train. She remembered his words vividly.
"Rengoku-san, what was it like facing Upper Rank Three?" Mitsuri had asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.
Rengoku had paused for a moment, his expression grave as he recalled the intense battle.
"Akaza is a relentless opponent," he had replied, his voice steady despite the gravity of his words. "His strength and speed are unmatched, but his true power lies in his unwavering resolve and fighting spirit."
Mitsuri had nodded, absorbing Rengoku's words with a sense of reverence for the Flame Hashira.
"How did you manage to hold your own against him?" she had inquired, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Rengoku had offered her a reassuring smile, his gaze unwavering.
"With unwavering conviction and a determination to protect those I hold dear," he had replied, his voice firm with resolve. "No matter the odds, I will always stand firm in the face of adversity."
As Mitsuri recollected Rengoku's words, she felt a surge of determination coursing through her veins. She may not possess his strength or skill, but she would honor his memory by standing strong against Akaza and protecting her allies with every ounce of her being.
With Rengoku's words echoing in her mind, Mitsuri steeled herself for the impending battle. With a deep breath, she unleashed her Love Breathing technique, channeling the power of her emotions into a flurry of graceful strikes.
"Love Breathing, Second Form: Love Pangs!" she exclaimed, her blade shimmering with a radiant pink hue as she launched herself towards Akaza with unwavering determination.
Akaza, caught off guard by Mitsuri's sudden assault, barely had time to react as her strikes rained down upon him. Mitsuri's attacks were swift and precise, fueled by her love and determination to protect her comrades.
Meanwhile, Ayaka wasted no time in rallying her remaining comrades to join the fray. With a determined shout, she called out to them, urging them to stand together against their common enemy.
"Brothers and sisters, now is the time to fight! For freedom! For justice! For a world without Muzan's tyranny!" she cried, her voice ringing out with conviction as her comrades heeded her call, rushing into battle alongside Mitsuri.
As Mitsuri and her allies engaged Akaza in combat, Rui stepped forward, his eyes glowing with determination as he unleashed his blood demon art. With a swift motion of his hand, tendrils of crimson energy surged forth, striking Akaza with relentless force.
"Blood Demon Art: Cutting Thread Rotation!" Rui exclaimed, his attacks combining with Mitsuri's to create a devastating barrage that pushed Akaza back.
Nezuko, seeing her companions' determination, wasted no time in joining the fray. With a fierce battle cry, she leaped into the air, delivering a series of powerful kicks and punches that sent shockwaves through the air.
Akaza, despite being outnumbered, laughed uproariously as he danced amidst the onslaught of attacks, his movements fluid and graceful.
"Ah, this is exhilarating!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine enjoyment. "You demons and humans alike possess such admirable fighting spirit!"
Despite the ferocity of their attacks, Akaza seemed to revel in the challenge, his movements becoming even more fluid and unpredictable as he dodged and countered their strikes with ease. Though impressed by their determination, he showed no signs of slowing down, his laughter ringing out as he continued to engage them in combat with unwavering enthusiasm.
With her determination fueling her, Mitsuri unleashed a fierce battle cry as she continued to press her assault on Akaza.
"We won't let you get away with your atrocities, Akaza!" she shouted, her voice ringing out with righteous fury. "We will stop you and bring an end to Muzan's reign of terror!"
Akaza's laughter rang out in response to Mitsuri's declaration, his expression mocking as he shook his head.
"Oh, how amusing," he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I'm afraid I have no interest in fighting or devouring women. It's simply not my taste."
Mitsuri's eyes narrowed at Akaza's dismissive words, her determination burning even brighter.
"You may not see us as a threat, but we will prove you wrong," she retorted, her voice firm with resolve. "Gender has nothing to do with strength or skill. We will fight you with everything we have, and we will emerge victorious!"
Akaza's smirk faded slightly as he observed Mitsuri's unwavering determination, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. Her words echoed in his mind, reminding him of someone...but whom he didn't remember.
"Ah, such determination," he remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of respect. "Your spirit reminds me of another warrior I once faced... Kyojirou Rengoku."
Mitsuri's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of her former mentor and friends name, her respect for the Flame Hashira deepening even further.
"Yes, Rengoku was indeed a worthy adversary," Akaza continued, his tone tinged with nostalgia as he recalled their fierce battle on the Mugen Train. "He too possessed a relentless spirit and an unwavering dedication to his cause."
Despite the intensity of their current conflict, Akaza couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Mitsuri's determination, which mirrored that of Rengoku's. In that moment, he found himself reminded of the strength and resilience of his fallen opponent, a memory that lingered in the depths of his mind as he continued to face Mitsuri and her allies in battle.
As the battle raged on and Mitsuri and her allies continued to clash against Akaza, Rui couldn't help but acknowledge the daunting reality that they faced. Despite their determination and resolve, the odds seemed overwhelmingly stacked against them.
In the depths of his mind, Rui reluctantly admitted the truth: there was no possible way for them to beat Akaza. His power and skill were simply too formidable, and their own abilities paled in comparison.
Though it pained him to admit defeat, Rui knew that continuing to fight against such insurmountable odds would only lead to further casualties. With a heavy heart, he silently resolved to find another way to achieve their goals, even if it meant retreating for now and regrouping with a new strategy.
Feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on him, Rui motioned for Nezuko and Ayaka to join him, signaling the need for a hasty retreat to discuss a new strategy. With a heavy heart, he knew that continuing to fight against Akaza's overwhelming strength would only lead to further casualties among their ranks.
As they huddled together, their minds racing with the urgency of the situation, Akaza couldn't resist taunting them with a sneer.
"What's this? Planning your escape already? How pathetic," he jeered, his voice laced with contempt.
But before he could unleash another barrage of insults, Mitsuri seized the opportunity to strike. With a fierce battle cry, she unleashed her another breathing form: Love Breathing, Third Form: Catlove Shower.
Mitsuri sliced at Akaza multiple times in record speed, causing some deep gashes to appear on the demons skin. Caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, Akaza staggered backward, his laughter faltering as Mitsuri's attack relentlessly pounded against him.
As the chaos of battle raged around them, Rui quickly formulated a plan. He turned to Ayaka with a determined expression. "Ayaka, I know you mentioned earlier that your blood demon art may not be effective against Akaza, but we have to try. If we combine our efforts, we might just have a chance."
Ayaka hesitated, her expression conflicted, "Rui, I appreciate your optimism, but I've already told you that my blood demon art won't work against someone as powerful as Akaza. It's too risky."
But Rui wasn't ready to give up just yet, "I understand your concerns, Ayaka. But we have to take that risk. We can't afford to let Akaza continue his rampage unchecked. Trust in your abilities, and trust in us. Together, we can make this work."
With Rui's words ringing in her ears, Ayaka took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead.
"Very well, Rui. I'll do what I can," she said, determination flickering in her eyes.
With their plan in motion and their resolve strengthened, the group prepared to unleash their combined efforts against Akaza, knowing that their success depended on their ability to work together and trust in each other's strengths.
As Rui and Ayaka prepared to enact their plan, Rui signaled to Nezuko, knowing that they needed to create a distraction to buy Ayaka the time she needed to unleash her blood demon art. With a nod of understanding, Nezuko sprang into action, charging at Akaza with relentless ferocity.
While Nezuko engaged Akaza in close combat, Rui joined the fray, his agile movements serving to further distract their formidable opponent. Together, they worked in tandem to keep Akaza off balance, their combined efforts creating openings for Mitsuri to continue her assault.
With a swift motion of her hand, Nezuko unleashed her blood demon art, Exploding Blood, creating a powerful explosion that sent shockwaves rippling through the chamber. Caught off guard by the sudden blast, Akaza staggered backward, momentarily stunned.
Seizing the opportunity, Mitsuri pressed her advantage, unleashing a flurry of devastating strikes with her Love Breathing technique. Each blow landed with precision, driving Akaza further back and weakening his defenses.
Though the battle was far from over, the group's coordinated efforts had succeeded in gaining the upper hand, at least for the moment. With their determination unwavering and their resolve unshaken, they continued to fight on, knowing that victory was within their grasp if they could just hold out a little longer.
As the battle raged on, Akaza found himself genuinely enjoying the challenge presented by the Hashira and the demon traitors. Despite the intensity of the fight, he couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration coursing through him as he clashed against such formidable opponents.
"Well, well, this is quite entertaining," Akaza remarked with a smirk, his voice laced with amusement. "It's been a while since I've had a battle this enjoyable."
Rui, overhearing Akaza's words, couldn't resist a snarky retort.
"Oh, is that so? I suppose it must be hard finding opponents who can actually keep up with you," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Akaza chuckled in response, seemingly unfazed by Rui's taunt.
"Indeed, it is," he admitted with a smirk. "But that just makes it all the more satisfying when I find someone who can."
Rui's eyes flashed with defiance as he seized the opportunity to strike back at Akaza, "Well, I suppose even someone like you must get bored serving under Muzan's thumb."
Akaza's expression hardened at the mention of Muzan, but he quickly regained his composure, his smirk returning, "Say what you will about Muzan, but he's not one to be underestimated."
Undeterred by Akaza's response, Rui pressed on, his determination unyielding, "Maybe so, but that doesn't change the fact that he's a tyrant who preys on the weak and uses his power to sow chaos and suffering."
With his words hanging in the air, Rui braced himself for Akaza's reaction, knowing full well that insulting Muzan was a risky move. But he was willing to take that risk if it meant standing up for what he believed in and fighting against injustice in any form.
As Rui's words echoed through the chamber, Akaza's expression momentarily faltered, a flicker of doubt crossing his features. In that brief moment, a memory from his past flashed before his eyes—a fleeting glimpse of a time long gone, a time before he had pledged himself to Muzan's service.
But before he could fully grasp the memory, Ayaka seized the opportunity, her eyes flashing with determination as she unleashed her blood demon art against Akaza. With a swift motion of her hand, tendrils of crimson energy surged forth, enveloping Akaza in a swirling vortex of power.
Caught off guard by Ayaka's sudden attack, Akaza staggered backward, his defenses momentarily weakened by the onslaught. The memories of his past faded into the background as he focused on the present, his attention fully consumed by the battle raging around him.
With her blood demon art unleashed, Ayaka fought with all her might, channeling her power into a relentless assault against Akaza. Though he struggled to regain his footing, the sheer force of Ayaka's attack proved to be too much, and Akaza found himself pushed to the brink of defeat.
In the midst of the chaos, one memory stood out vividly in Akaza's mind—a memory from his distant past, a moment of vulnerability that he had long buried beneath layers of cruelty and violence.
He saw a young girl, her tear-streaked face contorted with grief as she cried out for someone named Hakuji to comfort her. The sight of her anguish pierced through the haze of battle, stirring something deep within Akaza's heart—a long-forgotten echo of compassion and empathy that he thought he had lost forever.
For a brief moment, Akaza was frozen in place, his mind consumed by the memory of the girl's sorrow. But as quickly as it had come, the moment passed, and the reality of the present came crashing back down upon him.
With a fierce determination burning in his eyes, Akaza snapped out of his reverie and turned to face his adversaries once more. Without a word, he dashed towards the exit of the sewers, his footsteps echoing through the chamber as he disappeared into the darkness beyond.
Mitsuri and the demons watched in astonishment as Akaza vanished from sight, his sudden departure leaving them momentarily stunned. But they knew that their victory, though unexpected, was hard-earned, and they allowed themselves a moment of relief before regrouping and preparing to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As the adrenaline of battle began to subside, Mitsuri found herself overwhelmed by the reality of what had just transpired.
"I-I can't believe it," she stammered, her voice trembling with a mixture of shock and disbelief. "We... we went up against an Upper Moon and survived."
Nezuko and the other demons erupted into cheers, their voices ringing out in jubilation at their hard-won victory. They exchanged high-fives and embraces, celebrating their triumph against the formidable Akaza.
However, Ayaka's voice cut through the celebratory atmosphere, her tone somber as she addressed the group.
"As much as we'd like to revel in our victory, we must face the reality of our situation," she said gravely. "Now that Muzan knows our location, we'll have to relocate our base to ensure our safety."
Rui stepped forward, his expression resolute as he addressed Ayaka. "You and your group won't have to face this alone," he reassured her. "The Demon Slayer Corps will provide you with shelter and protection. You'll be safe with us."
Mitsuri's mind raced as she listened to their conversation, her thoughts turning to the true purpose of their mission.
"Ayaka, there's something I'd like to ask," she began, her voice steady despite the lingering uncertainty. "Would you and your group be willing to team up with the Demon Slayer Corps to take down Muzan once and for all?"
Ayaka nodded solemnly at Mitsuri's proposal. "Yes, we would be honored to join forces with the Demon Slayer Corps in the fight against Muzan," she replied, her voice filled with determination.
Mitsuri smiled warmly at Ayaka's response before calling forth her Kasugai crow companion.
"Urara, I need you to fetch some materials for me," she instructed, her tone firm but gentle.
The crow chirped in acknowledgment before flying off to fulfill Mitsuri's request.
Once the materials had been procured, Mitsuri wasted no time in writing a letter addressed to Kagaya Ubayashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. In her letter, she detailed their recent encounter with Akaza, as well as Ayaka's offer of alliance and assistance in the ongoing battle against Muzan.
With the letter completed, Mitsuri entrusted it to her faithful crow companion, who promptly took flight, carrying the message to its intended recipient.
As they awaited a response, Mitsuri and her companions gathered together to celebrate their hard-won victory and the dawn of a new era. Nezuko and the other demons joined in the festivities, their spirits high as they looked forward to the future with renewed hope and optimism.
With their newfound alliance with the Demon Slayer Corps and their determination to bring an end to Muzan's tyranny, Rui and his allies stood ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, united in their commitment to creating a better world for both humans and demons alike.
—
Akaza made his way back to Muzan's presence, his expression betraying a mixture of frustration and disappointment. Without hesitation, he relayed the encounter with Ayaka's group to Muzan, detailing their resilience and their unexpected alliance with the Demon Slayer Corps.
Muzan's eyes narrowed as he listened to Akaza's report, his anger simmering beneath the surface.
"So, you mean to tell me that you were unable to eliminate a mere group of rebels?" he hissed, his voice dripping with venom.
Akaza recoiled slightly at Muzan's reprimand, knowing full well the consequences of his failure.
"I... I did my best, Lord Muzan," he replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "But they were stronger than I anticipated. And their alliance with the Demon Slayer Corps caught me off guard."
Muzan's expression darkened at Akaza's explanation, his patience wearing thin.
"Excuses, Akaza. I will not tolerate failure," he spat, his voice cold and unforgiving. "You had one task, and you failed to carry it out. Do not disappoint me again."
With a dismissive wave of his hand, Muzan turned his attention elsewhere, leaving Akaza to stew in his failure. As the weight of Muzan's reprimand settled upon him, Akaza knew that he would have to redouble his efforts if he hoped to regain his master's favor. But for now, he could only grit his teeth and silently vow to do better in the future.