Chapter 49: The World’s Balance Shaken – Death of the Second Upper Moon**

**Chapter 49: The World's Balance Shaken – Death of the second upper Moon**

The morning sun rose gently over the horizon, casting its golden light across the land. The chaos and destruction of the previous night had left scars, not just on the battlefield but in the hearts of those who had witnessed the battle against Douma. Inside the Butterfly Mansion, the atmosphere was one of quiet recovery, though the tension in the air remained palpable.

Kintaro's eyes fluttered open as the first rays of sunlight warmed his face. His body ached all over, his limbs heavy from the strain of the battle. Slowly, he sat up, groaning softly as he realized just how much he had overexerted himself the night before. His memories were hazy, but he recalled the purple electricity, the overwhelming power that had surged through him... and Douma's head falling before his eyes.

As his surroundings came into focus, Kintaro saw Shinobu nearby, her body wrapped in bandages. She was speaking softly to Kanao and Aoi, who were helping to organize repairs around the Butterfly Mansion. The building had suffered significant damage from the battle, and many of the pillars and walls were cracked or shattered.

Shinobu noticed Kintaro stirring and made her way over to him, a relieved yet serious expression on her face.

"You're awake," she said quietly, her voice carrying a mixture of warmth and concern. "How are you feeling?"

Kintaro rubbed his eyes and sat up fully, grimacing at the pain. "Like I've been hit by a boulder," he muttered. "But I'm alive. What about everyone else?"

Shinobu nodded, glancing at the bustling courtyard where demon slayers and mansion staff were working to make repairs. "We're all still here, though many are injured. But thanks to you, we survived. Douma is gone."

Kintaro's gaze dropped, his expression conflicted. "I didn't do it alone," he said. "Everyone fought hard... but still, I—"

Shinobu cut him off with a firm but gentle tone. "Don't underestimate what you did, Kintaro. None of us could have faced Douma the way you did. Your power saved us all."

There was a pause as Kintaro absorbed her words. Before he could respond, Kanao approached, her eyes soft but determined. "Shinobu-sama is right. We're leaving soon for Oyakata-sama's estate. We need to regroup and prepare for whatever comes next."

Kintaro frowned, still feeling the weight of the previous night's battle. "Is it really necessary? Douma's gone. We bought ourselves some time, right?"

Shinobu's expression darkened slightly. "Douma was only the beginning. If Muzan sent him, it means he sees you as a threat. There will be others."

At the mention of Muzan, Kintaro felt a chill run down his spine. He had heard of the Demon King's cruelty and power, but he had never expected to become a target of such a terrifying force.

"We need to leave soon," Kanao added, her voice quieter now. "Oyakata-sama has already summoned us."

---

**Meanwhile, far away, in Muzan's hidden lair…**

The atmosphere was oppressive, heavy with tension and fear. Muzan stood at the center of a grand, dimly lit chamber, his red eyes glowing with a murderous intensity. Before him knelt the remaining Upper Moons, their heads bowed in submission. The air itself seemed to vibrate with his fury.

Douma's absence was painfully obvious.

Muzan's voice was soft, but it carried an icy edge that sent shivers through the demons gathered before him. "Douma is dead."

The statement was met with stunned silence. Even the strongest among the Upper Moons dared not breathe too loudly. They knew what was coming.

"How," Muzan continued, his voice dripping with venom, "did a mere child defeat one of my most powerful creations? How did an Upper Moon fall to such a weakling?"

Akaza, the Third Upper Moon, clenched his fists but said nothing. He had never particularly liked Douma, but to hear that he had been slain by a demon slayer was a reminder of the strength of their enemies.

Kokushibo, the First Upper Moon, spoke with his usual calm authority. "It seems this boy, Kintaro, is no ordinary demon slayer. His power is unlike anything we've encountered before."

Muzan's eyes narrowed as he turned his gaze toward Kokushibo. "And you, Kokushibo... do you fear him?"

There was a heavy silence as Kokushibo chose his words carefully. "Fear? No. Caution? Yes. If Kintaro continues to grow in strength, he may become a greater threat than we anticipate."

Muzan's expression darkened further, the rage boiling beneath the surface. "I will not tolerate failure again. Kintaro and that fool Ubuyashiki must die—no matter the cost."

His words echoed through the chamber, filled with an unyielding command. The Upper Moons bowed their heads lower, fully understanding the gravity of their new mission.

Gyokko, the Fifth Upper Moon, snickered from his position. "If Kintaro was able to take down Douma, perhaps the boy will give us an entertaining fight. I wouldn't mind testing his limits myself."

Muzan's gaze snapped to him, silencing the demon's amusement instantly. "This is no game, Gyokko. This is war. All of you will mobilize. A full-scale assault. No one is to rest until both Kintaro and Ubuyashiki are dead. We will crush the Demon Slayer Corps once and for all."

Hantengu, the Fourth Upper Moon, glanced toward Muzan, his trembling hands betraying his fear. "What of the other Hashira? Surely they will not stand idly by while we target their trump card."

Muzan's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Let them try. The more they resist, the more painful their deaths will be. The world will soon see the true terror of demons."

With that, Muzan turned away from the Upper Moons, his cape flowing behind him like a shadow. "Prepare for the assault. We will strike soon."

The demons remained kneeling as Muzan's presence faded from the room, leaving them alone in the oppressive silence.

Akaza glanced at Kokushibo, his eyes narrowing. "So... we're finally going to crush the Demon Slayer Corps. Are you ready for this?"

Kokushibo, his expression unreadable, simply stood and began to walk away. "Prepare yourself, Akaza. The battles to come will be unlike anything we've faced before."

---

**Back at the Butterfly Mansion...**

By midday, Kintaro had regained some of his strength, though his body still felt heavy. The repairs on the mansion were progressing steadily, with demon slayers and staff working tirelessly to restore the damage from the previous night.

Kanao and the others were preparing for their departure, their expressions somber but determined. They knew that their journey to Ubuyashiki's estate was only the beginning of a larger conflict.

As they gathered their things, Kintaro stood near the entrance, looking out at the sky. His thoughts were filled with uncertainty. He had fought before, but never had he felt so much pressure—never had he been so aware of the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Shinobu approached him quietly, her eyes filled with understanding. "It's only going to get harder from here," she said softly. "But you're not alone. We'll fight together."

Kintaro nodded, though the uncertainty remained. He knew the coming days would test him like never before. The world's balance had been shaken, and it was up to them to protect it.

As the group set out, leaving the Butterfly Mansion behind, the air seemed to grow colder. The clouds above gathered ominously, as if foreshadowing the storm of war that was about to break.

And in the distance, Muzan prepared his forces, ready to bring the world to its knees.

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