Chapter 196: Muzan's Action (Part 2)
"Such a perfect couple," Daniel thought as he saw Obanai, now restored to his former appearance, standing with Mitsuri Kanroji.
However, as pillars, their time together was limited. They quickly parted ways due to their respective missions, knowing they could only be together long-term after Muzan was defeated.
After the other pillars departed, Daniel left as well. Only Butterfly Shinobu remained at the Butterfly Mansion to treat the women rescued from Daki's sash.
Fujikasane Mountain
In a hidden space within the mountain, Daniel carefully observed the demons confined behind specially reinforced glass. There were six cells in total, each containing a demon.
These six demons had been injected with Daniel's experimental reversal serum, designed to eradicate the demonic genes from their bodies. He chose six subjects to test the correct dosage.
As with any treatment, the correct amount was crucial. Too much or too little could produce adverse effects. Even something as beneficial as oxygen could cause poisoning if not administered properly.
Aside from determining the proper dosage, Daniel aimed to see if he could retain some of the demons' enhanced abilities, such as accelerated healing and increased physical strength, even after their transformation back into humans.
Demons were significantly stronger than regular humans due to these factors. The concept was akin to the Extremis virus—while it had harmful aspects, it also held potential benefits if used correctly.
"It seems wanting both the fish and the bear paw is a bit too greedy," Daniel mused, acknowledging the difficulty of retaining the beneficial aspects of the demonic transformation while removing the harmful ones.
"Is it a matter of the soul?" he wondered, considering the unique case of Nezuko Kamado, who gained blood demon art abilities without consuming humans. This extraordinary trait seemed linked to the soul, a domain beyond the reach of his surgical abilities.
"Nezuko's case is indeed special, but it's challenging to study her in detail," Daniel thought. Nezuko, unlike other demons, replenished her strength through sleep and developed blood demon art abilities. Her condition was unique and fascinating.
If such a method could be generalized, it would be akin to creating a new human race. Scientists in the Marvel Universe might go to great lengths to study Nezuko, hoping to find a way to reproduce her abilities on a broader scale, potentially becoming world-changing heroes.
However, Daniel had no such ambitions, even with his surgical expertise. Nezuko's condition was unique, resulting from specific circumstances and a supportive environment, notably her brother Tanjiro's unwavering efforts.
Without Tanjiro, Nezuko would likely have succumbed to her demonic instincts like any other demon.
"Though you've become human again, I'm sorry; you still consumed people," Daniel said, showing no mercy to the demons turned human. Despite their former humanity, their crimes as demons couldn't be overlooked.
"Maybe Nezuko's condition is due to not consuming humans. It's certainly possible," Daniel theorized. Demons' consumption of humans was a deeply ingrained behavior, but Nezuko's restraint was a testament to Tanjiro's relentless support.
Most demons, lacking such guidance, would inevitably prey on humans. Even Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of demons, likely never considered an alternative to this behavior.
"Your purpose is fulfilled," Daniel muttered, disposing of the now-human demons. Though they had regained their humanity, their crimes as demons warranted no leniency.
The experiments showed that two out of six demons successfully reverted to humans, indicating progress but also highlighting the need for precise dosage and further research.
Reflecting on Nezuko's unique case, Daniel speculated that her restraint and unique abilities might stem from her not consuming humans, a theory worth investigating further.
Meanwhile, Daniel's attention turned to the captured Upper Rank Six demons, Daki and Gyutaro. Their significant power, now converted into Philosopher's Stones, offered ample resources for his ongoing research and potential emergencies.
"Seems like Muzan's getting restless," Daniel noted, feeling the subtle disturbance caused by the demise of the Upper Rank Six.
#### Elsewhere, in a Luxurious Manor
A handsome youth with short black hair, Muzan Kibutsuji in disguise, felt a sharp disturbance. His brows furrowed in irritation.
"Mr. Tsukihiko, is something wrong?" a beautiful woman beside him asked, her voice filled with concern. A small girl nearby extended her arms toward him, calling, "Daddy, hug me."
"I remembered some urgent matters. You two rest," Muzan replied curtly, disregarding the woman's surprised expression as he strode out of the manor. Passing by a sleek black car, he entered a small grove and whispered, "Nakime."
In an instant, Muzan vanished from the grove, reappearing in the intricate chambers of Infinity Castle.
"Summon the Upper Ranks," Muzan commanded as he took his seat in the hall.
Shortly after, three figures materialized from different parts of the castle, making their way to the hall. Upon seeing Muzan, they knelt and greeted him with utmost respect, "Greetings, Lord Muzan."
"What orders do you have for us, Lord Muzan?" the figure on the left, Upper Rank One, Kokushibo, asked, his six eyes glinting ominously.
The other two figures, Upper Rank Two, Doma, and Upper Rank Three, Akaza, also raised their heads, revealing their distinctive demon markings.
"Rise," Muzan commanded after a brief silence.
"Daki and Gyutaro are dead," Muzan announced.
"The Demon Slayer Corps has been diligent," Doma commented, his expression unchanged.
"I was always aware that Gyutaro would be hindered by Daki's temperament," Muzan stated indifferently.
"However, they were the ones who killed the most Pillars among you," Muzan continued. Despite Daki's flaws, her loyalty and effectiveness were unparalleled.
"Forgive us, Lord Muzan," the three Upper Rank demons responded in unison, bowing their heads.
Unlike Daki, the Upper Rank Three demons were less enthusiastic about hunting Pillars. They would kill if encountered but wouldn't go out of their way to seek them.
"It's not just the Pillars. For years, you've failed to locate the Ubuyashiki family. It seems I've been too lenient with you," Muzan's voice dripped with contempt.
The three demons remained silent, heads bowed, not daring to meet Muzan's gaze.
"I need you to kill at least one Pillar and locate the Ubuyashiki family. I'm tired of their interference," Muzan's voice grew calm, but the threat was palpable.
"And find a successor for Upper Rank Six," Muzan added before vanishing from the hall.
"Doma, what do you plan to do?" Akaza asked, his eyes coldly fixed on Doma.
Doma smiled warmly, unfazed by Akaza's hostility.
Their animosity stemmed from Doma surpassing Akaza, taking his rank. Despite Akaza's exceptional martial prowess, Doma's rapid ascent and ordinary background made the rivalry particularly bitter.
Even so, Doma, a former human cult leader, couldn't surpass Kokushibo, the only demon using Breath techniques.
"Of course, I'll complete Lord Muzan's orders," Akaza replied, his gaze never leaving Doma.
"Send me out," Akaza commanded the void, disappearing from the hall.
Shortly after, Kokushibo and Doma also departed.
With the Upper Ranks gone, five more figures materialized in different rooms, followed by Muzan's return.
A haunting melody filled the air, summoning the five figures before Muzan. Kneeling, they greeted, "Greetings, Lord Muzan."
"Why has Lord Muzan summoned us?" one of the Lower Rank demons wondered, fear gripping his heart.
"You wonder why I've called you," Muzan's voice echoed, making their fears a reality.
"What have you accomplished? None of you have been worthy of more of my blood. None have killed a Pillar. Some of you even fled from the Demon Slayers. Are you truly the Twelve Kizuki?" Muzan's voice was cold.
Muzan never hesitated to share his blood with the strong. He needed powerful subordinates, not weaklings.
"The former Lower Rank Five, Rui, was discarded because he could no longer assimilate my blood. What makes you any different?"
"You haven't even challenged the Upper Ranks," Muzan continued, his frustration mounting.
"The Upper Ranks are monsters. Who can beat them?" one Lower Rank demon thought, terrified.
The Twelve Kizuki's hierarchy was misunderstood by many. The power gap between Upper and Lower Ranks was vast. Lower Rank demons knew challenging the Upper Ranks meant certain death.
Upper Ranks could restrain Lower Ranks, exposing them to sunlight.
"The Upper Ranks achieved their positions through challenges. If they could do it, why can't you?" Muzan demanded.
"We're no match for those monsters," Lower Rank Three thought, his anxiety growing. Muzan's next words sealed his fate.
Lower Rank Three's head flew off, silenced forever.
Demons couldn't kill each other, but Muzan, the Demon King, was the exception.
The sudden execution shocked the remaining four demons into silence, their thoughts racing uncontrollably despite their efforts to suppress them.
One by one, the remaining Lower Ranks were executed, leaving no survivors.
"Distribute this blood among the remaining demons. Find someone worthy of becoming the new Lower Ranks," Muzan ordered before vanishing.
Without hesitation, Nakime, the biwa-playing demon, began the process, seeking new candidates for the Lower Ranks among the surviving demons.
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