Chapter 53: Arrival of the Nightmare

**Chapter 53: Arrival of the Nightmare**

The evening sun had finally dipped below the horizon, casting the estate in a blanket of dusk. Inside the walls of Ubuyashiki's mansion, a rare sense of tranquility filled the air, though a subtle tension lurked beneath the surface. The war was near, and each passing moment brought them closer to the inevitable clash with Muzan Kibutsuji.

Kintaro stood in the central courtyard, deep in conversation with Tanjiro Kamado. The two had spent the last hour speaking about their shared experiences, but now the topic had shifted.

"She's... a demon?" Kintaro's voice held a mixture of confusion and disbelief as he looked at Nezuko, who was sitting quietly in the shade.

Tanjiro, smiling warmly, nodded. "Yes, but Nezuko is different. She doesn't harm humans, and she's fought alongside us to defeat many demons. She's... special."

Kintaro's golden eyes lingered on Nezuko, trying to comprehend the oddity of a demon fighting for the side of humanity. He could sense something pure about her, something that defied her nature. "I've never seen anything like it," Kintaro admitted. "A demon with a heart. It's strange."

Tanjiro chuckled lightly, "It is, but Nezuko saved my life more times than I can count. She's more than just a demon."

Before Kintaro could respond, Zenitsu appeared at his side, seemingly out of nowhere, his eyes wide and filled with both awe and nervous energy. "K-Kintaro!" Zenitsu stammered, "I've heard about you! You defeated the Upper Moon Two, right? That's incredible!"

Kintaro turned to Zenitsu, smiling politely. "I was just doing what needed to be done."

Zenitsu's eyes sparkled. "You're amazing! But... it must have been terrifying! How do you stay so calm?"

Kintaro shrugged slightly. "You learn to push past the fear. There's no other choice."

As the conversation flowed, Rengoku Kyojuro, the Flame Hashira, made his way over, his boisterous laugh filling the courtyard. "Ah! Kintaro, I've been waiting to meet you properly!"

Kintaro turned toward the large man, who radiated a warmth as intense as his flames. "Rengoku-san," Kintaro greeted respectfully.

"You carry yourself well for someone so young," Rengoku observed. "I see now why you've become the Corps' trump card. I look forward to fighting alongside you in this upcoming battle!"

Kintaro nodded, feeling the weight of Rengoku's words. "Likewise, Rengoku-san."

Before long, the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, joined them, towering over the group, his beads clinking softly with every movement. His blind eyes seemed to see through Kintaro, and his deep voice resonated like thunder. "Kintaro," Gyomei began, "I have heard much about your strength. It is rare to meet someone so young who carries such a burden."

Kintaro, feeling humbled, responded, "I'm just doing what I can, Gyomei-san. We're all here for the same reason."

The day slowly wore on, with each member of the Corps interacting, laughing, and sharing stories. For a brief moment, it was as if the war wasn't hanging over them like a dark cloud. There was laughter and companionship, a reminder that they weren't just warriors—they were a family.

In another part of the mansion, Ubuyashiki sat in his chamber, alone with his wife, Amane. His face, pale and sickly, bore the signs of his illness worsening. He had put on a brave front during the meeting with the Hashira earlier, but now, in the privacy of his room, the truth could no longer be hidden.

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his breaths were shallow.

Amane sat close to him, concern evident in her eyes. "Kagaya-sama, you should rest. You pushed yourself too hard today."

Ubuyashiki shook his head weakly. "No... they needed to see me strong. They can't know how much time I have left. Not yet. If they sense fear or doubt in me... it will only weaken their resolve."

Amane wiped the blood from his lips gently. "You are stronger than any of them realize, Kagaya-sama. But you can't hide this forever."

He sighed softly, his eyes distant. "I know. I've been preparing for this day, for the moment Muzan finally finds us. I always intended to set traps... to destroy the estate with him inside. But now, it's impossible. My children... they're all here. I can't sacrifice them."

Amane remained silent, her heart aching for her husband.

After a long pause, Ubuyashiki spoke again. "Amane, send for Kintaro. I wish to speak with him."

Without hesitation, Amane left to fulfill his request.

---

A short while later, Kintaro entered Ubuyashiki's chamber, his expression immediately shifting to concern as he saw the state of the Demon Slayer leader.

"Kagaya-sama..." Kintaro began, but Ubuyashiki cut him off with a gentle smile.

"Please, Kintaro. There's no need for formalities. Sit."

Kintaro did as he was asked, sitting beside the frail man who had commanded the respect of the entire Corps. "You... wanted to speak with me?"

Ubuyashiki nodded slowly. "I owe you my deepest gratitude, Kintaro. What you've done for the Corps... for all of us... it's beyond words. You've already saved so many lives."

Kintaro looked away, uncomfortable with the praise. "I've only done what's needed."

"But you carry a burden far heavier than most. I see that in you." Ubuyashiki's voice softened. "But I must speak plainly, Kintaro. No matter how strong you are... I do not believe you can kill Muzan."

Kintaro's eyes widened in shock, though he remained silent, listening.

"The power Muzan possesses... it is unlike anything we have ever faced. He cannot be killed by traditional means. The only way... the only hope we have... is to keep him fighting until dawn. Until the sun can destroy him."

Kintaro's heart pounded in his chest. "You want me to fight him... until the sun rises?"

Ubuyashiki's gaze was unwavering. "It is not a question of want. It is a necessity. Muzan must be held at bay, no matter the cost. Can you do that, Kintaro?"

Kintaro swallowed hard, his mind racing with the gravity of what was being asked. But then, his expression hardened with resolve. "It's not about whether I can. I *must* do it. No matter the cost."

Ubuyashiki smiled softly, his frail hand reaching out to touch Kintaro's. "Thank you... Kintaro."

Just as the words left his lips, a shadow loomed at the doorway, cast in the silver light of the full moon.

Kintaro's body froze, his senses heightened in an instant. A cold chill ran down his spine, and his purple eyes widened in disbelief.

Standing at the door, bathed in moonlight, was a man. His presence was suffocating, his aura thick with an ancient, overwhelming power.

The figure stepped forward, revealing sharp red eyes that glowed like embers. His face, pale and perfect, held a calm smile, though the malice beneath it was unmistakable.

"Kintaro," the figure spoke, his voice smooth and eerily familiar. "It's been a long time."

Kintaro's heart raced as he struggled to comprehend what he was seeing. "Y-you..."

Ubuyashiki, despite his blindness, sensed the shift in the air. His voice was calm but firm. "Who's there?"

Kintaro's lips trembled as the realization hit him like a hammer. The man standing before him was none other than Muzan Kibutsuji.

And worse still... Muzan had once been the husband of Ayaka, the woman who had raised Kintaro as her own.

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