Muzan's Decision

### Chapter Six: Muzan's Decision

The demon sensed Muzan's presence, and its entire demeanor changed. Fear coursed through its veins as it thought, 'Muzan-sama is watching?! I must win...' The demon's muscles tensed, and it let out a guttural growl, its eyes darting between Kintaro and Muzan.

Kintaro didn't waste any time. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance between himself and the demon. The two clashed, the demon's blood sword meeting Kintaro's electrified blade. Sparks flew, and the air hummed with the intensity of their battle. The villagers watched in awe, their earlier despair giving way to hope.

The demon lashed out with blood tendrils, attempting to ensnare Kintaro. But Kintaro was too fast, his movements a blur as he dodged and counterattacked. Each swing of his sword sent arcs of purple lightning through the air, cutting through the demon's defenses. The tendrils hissed and writhed, recoiling from the electric shocks.

The demon roared in frustration, its blood tendrils flailing wildly. Kintaro parried each attack with precision, his face set in determined concentration. He could feel the power surging through him, a power he had never fully understood but now embraced. The purple electricity crackled and danced along his blade, casting an eerie glow on his determined features.

Muzan watched, his expression unreadable. This boy possessed an extraordinary ability, one that could be both a threat and an asset. As the battle raged on, Muzan's mind raced with possibilities. He observed every move Kintaro made, analyzing his technique and the mysterious power he wielded.

With a final, powerful strike, Kintaro's blade sliced through the demon's neck. Purple lightning coursed through the demon's body, disintegrating it from the inside out. The demon let out a final, anguished scream before collapsing into a heap of ash. The villagers erupted into cheers, their relief palpable.

Kintaro stood amidst the remnants of the battle, his chest heaving with exertion. The purple glow around him slowly faded, leaving him looking just as he had before—an ordinary boy. Sweat dripped down his face, and his breathing was heavy, but his eyes shone with a fierce determination.

The villagers stood in stunned silence, their eyes fixed on the spot where the demon had disintegrated into nothingness. Then, as if released from a spell, they erupted into joyous celebration. Cheers and shouts of triumph filled the night air, and they swarmed around Kintaro, lifting him off the ground in their jubilation. His cheeks, previously smeared with the demon's blood, were now clean as the dark substance evaporated into the air.

"Kintaro! You did it!" cried one villager, his voice hoarse with excitement.

"We knew you were special, but this... this is incredible!" exclaimed another, clapping Kintaro on the back.

"You saved us all, Kintaro!" shouted a woman, her eyes brimming with grateful tears. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"

Kintaro was overwhelmed by their gratitude. He had always been known in the village for his kindness and gentle nature, but this level of adoration was new to him. As the villagers surrounded him, each expressing their thanks and amazement, he felt a mix of pride and bewilderment. He smiled awkwardly, nodding in acknowledgment, even as he tried to process the events of the night.

Meanwhile, Muzan observed the scene from a distance, his expression darkening. Veins bulged on his forehead, betraying his inner turmoil. 'This is unacceptable... How can a human possess such power?' he thought, his mind racing. For a fleeting moment, the image of Yoriichi Tsugikuni flashed in Muzan's mind, and he shuddered involuntarily. 'Calm yourself,' he urged himself. 'Yoriichi was far stronger than this boy...'

Kintaro, still basking in the villagers' praise, made his way back to the mansion. His smile was wide, his heart light. But as he approached the gates, he was met by Muzan, whose face was a mask of barely controlled anger. The change in Muzan's demeanor was stark and immediate, and Kintaro felt a chill run down his spine. The smile faded from his lips.

"Master Muzan," Kintaro began, his voice tentative, "I—"

"Do not come to this house again," Muzan interrupted, his tone harsh and unyielding.

Kintaro blinked, stunned. "What? But why?"

Muzan's eyes were cold and unfeeling as he spoke. "As the head of this household, it is my duty to protect my family. Your presence here poses a significant threat. I saw you when you were fighting with that sword in your hand, and I cannot allow someone as dangerous as you near Ayaka and my children."

The words hit Kintaro like a physical blow. He opened his mouth to protest, but Muzan continued, his voice a low growl. "Tomorrow morning, you will tell Ayaka that you have an uncle or an aunt you must go to. You are never to return to this house again."

Kintaro's heart sank. Muzan's reasoning was sound; his powers were indeed inexplicable and potentially dangerous. He swallowed hard, nodding slowly. "I understand," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Muzan turned on his heel, heading back towards the mansion. "Remember, Kintaro," he said without looking back, "you must leave. For the safety of my family."

As Muzan walked away, Kintaro felt a profound sense of loneliness wash over him. He thought of Ayaka, the woman who had become like a mother to him, and her children, who he had come to see as siblings. His vision blurred with unshed tears, but he blinked them away, his eyes reflecting the deep sorrow he felt. The once bright and lively purple of his eyes seemed to dim, the spark of happiness extinguished by the weight of his grief.

The villagers, still celebrating, pulled Kintaro into their festivities. They sang and danced, praising his bravery and recounting the night's events. But Kintaro, lost in his thoughts, could barely muster a smile. He was back where he started, alone and without a home. The joyous noise around him felt distant, as if he were trapped in a bubble of despair, isolated from the happiness surrounding him.

As Muzan continued towards the mansion, he muttered to himself, 'That boy is not normal. If he stays any longer, he might sense that I'm not human. I can't kill him here, not in front of everyone... First, I'll expel him from the house. Then, during his travels this week, I'll send one of the Lower Moons to eliminate him. He'll never know his master was a demon.'

Muzan's eyes narrowed as he considered his options. 'The demon he killed was weak, after all. I'll see which of the Lower Moons can complete this simple task...'

The village's cheers echoed through the night, but Kintaro felt none of their joy. As the villagers celebrated their victory, Kintaro stood apart, his heart heavy with the realization that he was once again adrift, searching for a place to belong.

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