Chapter 195: Muzan's Action (Part 1)

In front of the Butterfly Mansion.

Upon Daniel's return, Butterfly Shinobu, Giyu Tomioka, and a woman with long, braided pink hair approached him. After briefly assessing Daniel, Butterfly Shinobu immediately asked, "Did you succeed?"

"I've taken care of them, but there are many injured here. Could you please help?" Daniel replied, pulling out Daki's sash from his back and briefly explaining the situation.

"Release them quickly," Shinobu instructed as she, Giyu, and the others began assisting the Butterfly Mansion's personnel in rescuing the captives.

"The Love Pillar, huh," Daniel noted, observing the woman with pink hair, Mitsuri Kanroji. She had originally black hair, which turned pink from eating 170 cherry cakes daily for eight months.

Mitsuri Kanroji, known for her immense strength and appetite, joined the Demon Slayer Corps primarily to find a husband stronger than herself and to find a place where she wasn't discriminated against for her unique abilities. Additionally, the Corps provided her with enough food.

In modern society, being a female glutton might not be a big deal, but in this era, a strong woman with an enormous appetite faced significant discrimination. However, in the Corps, she wasn't seen as an anomaly but as a protector of humanity.

With the help of Kanao Tsuyuri, Aoi Kanzaki, and other personnel, the women trapped in the sashes were quickly tended to. Although the number wasn't large, fewer than ten, they would have soon become Daki's food if not for Daniel's intervention.

These women exhibited symptoms similar to Zenitsu Agatsuma in the original story; their bodies had shrunk. Shinobu swiftly began treating them, while Daniel reported his success to Kagaya Ubuyashiki.

Upon hearing the situation, Shinobu, Giyu, and Mitsuri immediately set aside their other questions and focused on the rescue operation.

"It's a Twin Demon," Daniel explained, detailing his encounter with the Upper Rank Six demons.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the head of the Demon Slayer Corps, appeared deeply moved. This was the first time in over a century that an Upper Rank demon had been defeated. It was a significant morale booster and a step closer to Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King.

"This is a tremendous achievement. Have you gathered any additional information?" Kagaya inquired.

"I have some intelligence on the Upper Rank Two demon. It was mentioned during an argument between the Twin Demons," Daniel revealed, sharing information about Doma, the Upper Rank Two.

The information wasn't fabricated. Daki, favored by Muzan, was well-informed about the Upper Ranks. Unfortunately, Daki didn't know their exact locations, except for Doma, who had a fixed base despite often traveling.

"The High Priest of the Eternal Paradise Cult. Understood," Kagaya acknowledged.

With the Ubuyashiki family's intelligence network, finding the Eternal Paradise Cult would be much faster than Daniel searching alone.

"I see, the Pillar meeting is about to start. No wonder Giyu and Mitsuri are here. The other Pillars should arrive soon. If we locate Upper Rank Two, we might confront Muzan sooner. I need to develop the medicine to turn demons back into humans before then," Daniel thought.

While other demons didn't concern him, Nezuko's safety was paramount. If Muzan were defeated, Nezuko might die unless she evolved to withstand sunlight or turned back into a human.

Muzan's demise could potentially mean the end for all demons created from his blood. Daniel had long sought a way to draw Muzan out, and killing Upper Rank demons seemed the best method. Muzan ignored the deaths of Lower Ranks but would react to multiple Upper Rank losses.

Muzan, despite his cowardice, wasn't foolish. With intelligence rivaling the Ubuyashiki family, Muzan had been executing his own plans while hiding, one of which was searching for the Blue Spider Lily.

"Let's talk about the Water Pillar position. I don't want it; let Giyu keep it," Daniel said when Kagaya suggested he take over as the Water Pillar.

Giyu had proposed this, always feeling unworthy of the title, believing Sabito should have had it. With Daniel's strength, evidenced by defeating an Upper Rank demon, Giyu felt confident stepping down.

"I'm not here to become a Pillar. I just want to kill Muzan and then let everyone live their lives," Daniel declared.

"Seeing everyone here for this Pillar meeting brings me great joy," Kagaya said, commencing the meeting once all Pillars had arrived. Daniel stood beside Giyu, no longer isolated.

"We have good news. The Upper Rank Six demon has been slain."

All eyes turned to Daniel.

"How strong was the Upper Rank Six?" a Pillar asked.

Having never faced an Upper Rank demon, they were eager to understand their true strength.

"Very strong. I killed the weakest Upper Rank. Even so, fewer than three of you could defeat them one-on-one," Daniel stated, scanning the room but withholding the names.

"So you think you're stronger than most of us," the Serpent Pillar, Obanai Iguro, remarked coldly, his gaze piercing Daniel.

Daniel's statement implied most present couldn't match him, naturally causing discontent. Obanai, in particular, looked ready to challenge Daniel if not for Kagaya's presence.

"Are you targeting me? I see," Daniel observed, glancing at the Serpent Pillar before noticing Mitsuri's blushing cheeks, guessing the reason for Obanai's hostility.

Mitsuri, known for her unique preferences, was naturally drawn to Daniel's strength and looks.

"You like the Love Pillar, don't you?" Daniel suddenly asked.

Obanai's face froze, his secret exposed. The other Pillars shifted their focus to Obanai and Mitsuri.

"What are you talking about?" Obanai stammered.

"Obanai..." Mitsuri's gaze also changed, her expression showing surprise and confusion.

"If you like her, just say it. You're not afraid of death but fear this?" Daniel's bluntness drew everyone's attention, spurred by a mix of helpfulness and curiosity.

"This is quite interesting," Shinobu commented, clapping her hands.

"It's a good thing," the Flame Pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku, said loudly.

Among the Pillars, Kyojuro was the most normal, while the others had their quirks. For instance, the Stone Pillar, Gyomei Himejima, remained silent, hands clasped in prayer even during such an exciting revelation.

The Mist Pillar, Muichiro Tokito, seemed uninterested, gazing at the sky as if oblivious.

Giyu's expression remained stoic as usual.

"Enough. Let's focus on the Upper Rank demon," the Wind Pillar, Sanemi Shinazugawa, shouted, redirecting everyone's attention. His hatred for demons was the strongest, driven by the traumatic experience of killing his demon-turned mother.

"Regarding the Upper Rank demon, there's more information. He also learned about the Upper Rank Two," Kagaya said, sharing the intelligence on Doma.

"The Eternal Paradise Cult," the Pillars murmured, searching their memories.

"No leads," they eventually concluded.

"I've sent people to investigate. We should have results soon. When the time comes, I'll need your help," Kagaya stated.

"Why are you following me? I did you a favor, revealing your feelings. Mitsuri seems to like you too. Shouldn't you be with her now?" Daniel asked, exasperated by Obanai's persistence.

"Shut up," Obanai snapped, drawing his Nichirin Blade.

Dodging Obanai's attack, Daniel countered, slicing Obanai's bandages, exposing his hidden face.

Seeing his uncovered face, Obanai's rage flared, murderous intent radiating from him.

"You're worried about this? Mitsuri isn't shallow. I can help you look normal," Daniel offered.

"Really?" Obanai's murderous intent faded instantly.

"I have no reason to lie. I can fix you now, but you must trust me," Daniel assured. Obanai's condition, though challenging for this era, was simple for Daniel.

"What should I do?"

"Let's return to the Butterfly Mansion."

"No fight?" Shinobu wondered, seeing Daniel and Obanai return together. She expected a duel, given Obanai's temper.

Mitsuri remained silent, her emotions complex.

"Relax your breathing. The anesthetic needs to take effect," Daniel instructed. Pillars usually maintained a constant state of Total Concentration Breathing, hindering the anesthetic's effectiveness.

Obanai complied, soon falling asleep from the anesthetic. He had left his white snake outside the room.

"You're lucky to have met me. You're quite handsome without the scars, rivaling Giyu and Kyojuro. Room."

"Sorry, you'll need to endure a few more days," Daniel thought. With a Philosopher's Stone, he could instantly heal Obanai but chose a slower method to avoid exposure.

"It's done. Recovery will take about three days. During this time, avoid eating and speaking," Daniel instructed.

Unable to speak, Obanai nodded, sensing the changes.

"How did it go?" Shinobu and Mitsuri asked anxiously. Daniel's promise had revealed Obanai's past.

"It's done. Come in," Daniel invited.

"You're amazing," Shinobu praised, knowing her own limitations in such treatment.

Daniel smiled, remaining silent. Shinobu's skills were impressive, but the era's limitations hindered her.

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