Doma’s entry into the Demon Syer Corps headquarters left intense anger among the Hashira as soon as they received the message from the crow. They had already sensed that a great danger was approaching. At that time, Kagaya Ubuyashiki had called for an emergency meeting early in the morning for all the Hashira, and he specifically requested the presence of Tanjiro (Jack), Zenitsu, and Inosuke. The meeting was necessary and would determine the fate of many things in the future.

  Morning arrived, and all the Hashira were present except the Stone Hashira, as he was away on a distant and difficult mission. Kagaya began speaking and said:

  “Welcome again, my children. I am afraid I bring troubling news—one of the Upper Moons was able to enter our headquarters. We have fought these demons for thousands of years, and their intrusion into the headquarters is not unprecedented. It has happened many times before. However, this is the first time an Upper Moon has entered here without killing anyone or even doing anything to harm us, as if he came only to deliver a message—or as if there is a much greater pn coming.”

  Obanai, the Serpent Hashira, spoke immediately, the snake before him flicking its tongue:

  “The entry of an Upper Moon into this pce is a failure for all of us. It is a disgrace that this happened.”

  The Fme Hashira, Rengoku, replied, bandages covering his body:

  “It’s a message. But the question is—who is it for?”

  Giyu was silent for a moment, then said calmly:

  “He spoke with Tanjiro about something.”

  Sanemi spoke in anger:

  “What? What are you saying, you fool? You said you were responsible for that wretch, and now look what he has brought upon us. He must be a secret agent for them. I have never felt at ease about that damned wretch.”

  Kagaya spoke after sensing that the situation might descend into chaos:

  “Do not rush to judgment, Sanemi. We cannot judge the situation now. Perhaps this is exactly what Muzan wants—conflict among us and suspicion cast upon the wrong person. Giyu, I trust you, and I know that your trust in this boy is well pced. I hope it will not prove otherwise.”

  Giyu replied with full responsibility:

  “Thank you, sir. Leave it to me from now on. I will uncover the truth soon.”

  All eyes turned toward Jack—not a direct accusation, but the suspicion was present. Jack did not say a word; or rather, he had nothing to say.

  After the meeting ended, Giyu walked with him into the outer corridor, then suddenly stopped and asked:

  “Why you? Upper Moons do not act out of mere curiosity.”

  Jack replied:

  “I don’t know.”

  Doma’s image passed before Jack’s eyes. He remembered that demonic smile. It was not the smile of a killer—but of a pyer.

  And in a pce far from the Demon Syer Corps headquarters, Doma stood smiling, lightly waving his fan. At some distance from him stood Akaza, anger evident on his face. No one spoke at first. Then Doma said in a cheerful tone:

  “I saw him st night… the boy who ruined your battle.”

  In an instant, the air around Akaza trembled with hostile energy.

  “Watch your words, you bastard. I believe I said that boy is mine.”

  Doma replied with a smile:

  “Rex, Akaza-dono. We’re a team, aren’t we? Hahaha.”

  At that moment, the echo of calm footsteps resonated through the void. Then a presence appeared that made the very space itself bow—it was Kibutsuji Muzan. He did not need to announce himself; his mere appearance was enough for both Upper Moons to lower their heads. Muzan spoke in a calm but sharp voice:

  “Speak.”

  Doma slightly raised his head.

  “That boy can smell us strongly. He sees what others cannot see. He is interesting. I was wondering… should I kill him, Lord Muzan?”

  Akaza stepped forward and said:

  “He is mine.”

  The ground cracked beneath their feet. Muzan looked at Akaza and asked:

  “Do you still consider him your prey?”

  Akaza answered without hesitation:

  “Yes. I want to kill him. This time, I will not fail. Believe me.”

  A faint smile formed on Muzan’s face as he said:

  “Then kill him. Whoever reaches him first and surpasses the other may kill him.”

  In an instant, demonic energy erupted from both of them. The space around them fractured, and the darkness trembled. Doma ughed lightly.

  “What a delightful game.”

  Akaza did not ugh. He was extremely angry, but he said:

  “As you command, Lord Muzan.”

  The scene abruptly cut away. The moon shone once more above the Demon Syer headquarters. Jack stood alone on the rooftop, gazing at the sky. He muttered to himself:

  “I’m at a strange crossroads now. I can’t tell them that I’m not Tanjiro… and at the same time, I have to prove that I’m not a traitor.”

  Giyu was watching him from afar; his suspicion had grown more than ever. As for Jack, he remained seated, staring at the sky. A cold shiver ran down his spine—not fear, but the sensation of being hunted.

  In a distant pce, Doma stood atop the roof of an abandoned temple, looking toward the horizon. Elsewhere, on a rocky cliff overlooking a dense forest, Akaza stood, his eyes burning with murderous resolve. The two moved at the same moment.

  Jack did not know that a judgment had been passed that night.

  Nor did he know that the Upper Moon’s smile had not been an empty threat.

  In the sky, the moon was nearing fullness, as if the world itself were preparing for the blood to come…