Why Fight Upper Moons One-on-One When You Can Gang Up?

"System, what's going on here?" Noah asked in confusion.

He had anticipated some challenges in assimilating the first world, but he hadn't expected it to be so easy.

It felt as though the Demon Slayer world was practically offering itself on a silver platter.

[Ding! Analyzing the situation...]

[Analysis complete.]

[The 'Vision System for Ascension to Godhood (Vision-to-Godhood)' has provided positive feedback to the Demon Slayer world. As a result, the world instinctively and comprehensively accepted the mature framework of the 'Vision System.']

"Wait, could it be that the Demon Slayer world has a Gaia Consciousness or an Alaya Consciousness?" Noah was stunned.

He was aware that higher-tier worlds like the Type-Moon Universe possessed such world-consciousness entities, but was it possible for a relatively weak world like the Demon Slayer world to have one?

[Ding! Worlds that have not birthed higher-level lifeforms cannot possess world consciousness.]

"Higher-level lifeforms?"

[Conceptual entities and embodiments of laws, as defined by the host's memories.]

[A world lacking a true world consciousness can only engage in instinctive actions to enhance itself. The 'Vision System' provided the Demon Slayer world with the capability to foster beings akin to Teyvat's 'Adepti.' As such, the world instinctively accepted the system.]

Upon hearing the system's explanation, Noah was elated.

"So that's why! If this is true, then any world lacking a complete system for ascension could instinctively accept the 'Vision System.'

"For worlds weaker than Teyvat, this essentially grants instant access to half of their world permissions?"

The 'Vision System' provided its holders with the minimum potential to reach Adepti-level strength. Its original intent was to encourage its wielders to contribute to the world's growth.

For worlds operating on instinct alone, this framework was as enticing as an irresistible gift, impossible to decline.

"This is practically a windfall! Just by granting a native a single Vision, the world instinctively embraces the system, handing over half its permissions right away."

Noah's heart raced with excitement.

"All that's left is to expand the system's influence or collect over 80% of the world's faith. At that point, assimilation is instantaneous! This couldn't be any better!"

"Then there's no time to lose! Let's immediately amplify the influence within the Demon Slayer world!"

What would create the greatest impact in the Demon Slayer world? Of course, it would be the elimination of Muzan Kibutsuji.

Without hesitation, Noah made the call to proceed—but not before a quick simulation.

"System, use the temporal laws of the Primordial Ring of Law to simulate the impact of eradicating the demons."

[Ding! Initiating simulation... Simulation complete!]

Under Noah's expectant gaze, the system delivered a result that left him utterly speechless.

"36,680% of the original plan?! Are you kidding me?" Noah exclaimed.

Nearby, Asmoday, who had been resting with her eyes closed to recover her strength, was startled and immediately opened her eyes.

"Lord Noah? Did something happen in Teyvat?" Asmoday asked.

"It's nothing, nothing. It's about the Demon Slayer world," Noah said dismissively, waving his hand.

"Did the assimilation fail?" Asmoday's expression turned grim, suspecting Raiden Ei might have caused a problem.

"No, no! Quite the opposite—it's great news! Excellent news, in fact. In at most ten days, the Demon Slayer world will be fully assimilated."

Noah regained his composure and quickly instructed the system to transmit all simulated time fragments into his mind.

After reviewing the simulated sequences, Noah clicked his tongue in amazement.

"This is remarkable—absolutely remarkable. I've truly broadened my horizons today."

"Wow, Muzan really went all out just to survive, stirring up such an earth-shaking commotion that the entire world now knows about demons, gods, and the 'Vision-to-Godhood.'"

"This level of paranoia fits perfectly with his character."

After receiving this revelation, Noah wasted no time directing Ei to modify the second phase of the plan. He instructed Yae Miko to hand over all information about Muzan Kibutsuji and the Twelve Kizuki to the Demon Slayer Corps.

"Let the show begin. As long as the results match even half of the predictions, this will be a massive win."

It was essential to remember that after assimilating a world, the process of digestion was critical, and the rate of influence spread determined the digestion speed.

Reaching 200% of the planned influence would allow instantaneous completion of digestion. Currently, the assimilation influence had skyrocketed to an astounding 30,000%, practically making this world an external enclave of Teyvat.

Demon Slayer World

Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters

The headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps also served as the Ubuyashiki family estate. The estate housed separate compounds for the Hashira, offering both convenience in protecting the master and space to train new recruits with potential to become Hashira.

At this moment, all the Hashira had gathered in the courtyard for a Hashira Meeting.

"Master, this is how my sister and I obtained our Visions," Kanae Kocho explained, recounting the process of acquiring the Visions, their newfound powers, and the information Yae Miko had shared with them upon returning to the Narukami Shrine, along with the Origami Cranes they received for locating people

"This is incredible—truly incredible! With the power you sisters now possess and this vital information, we can eliminate all the Upper Rank demons in just a month—no, half a month!"

Kagaya Ubuyashiki could scarcely contain his joy. His excitement was palpable, and words seemed insufficient to express his feelings.

Not long after returning from the Narukami Shrine, he received news of the sisters obtaining Visions and the extermination of an Upper Rank demon by two divine envoys.

"The gods must have recognized your noble wishes and deemed our Demon Slayer Corps worthy of becoming the force to eradicate demons once and for all. That's why they bestowed upon us all this knowledge about the demons."

"This is destiny's favor... cough, cough..."

As he spoke with fervor, Kagaya coughed up a large mouthful of blood.

"Master!"

The Hashira immediately cried out in alarm, rushing to his side.

"Master," Kanae said urgently, "the power granted by my Vision allows me to heal any ailment or injury—even missing limbs. Let me try to lift your curse."

Without hesitation, Kanae activated the power of her Vision. A soft, azure glow enveloped Kagaya's body, and the red marks covering half his face and forehead began to fade visibly, until they disappeared completely.

"The master's curse is gone!"

The Hashira stared in shock, their voices full of awe.

Shinjuro Rengoku felt his heart surge with hope. His wife could now be saved! Once the Hashira meeting ended, he resolved to beg the young Flower Hashira for her help, even if it meant prostrating himself and setting aside his pride.

"To heal any wound or disease! One of our greatest disadvantages against demons is their ability to regenerate instantly, while we can die from injuries. But if we no longer have that weakness, what are demons to us?"

Sanemi Shinazugawa's delight was unrestrained.

After marveling at Kanae's power, the group swiftly began planning their strategy to eradicate the demons.

"Then let us begin with the simplest to locate—Upper Rank Six!"

Tengen Uzui declared with resolve.

—

At the entrance to the Rengoku residence, Kyojuro Rengoku bowed at a ninety-degree angle.

"Lady Kanae, I am deeply grateful to you for saving my mother," he said earnestly.

"It was nothing but a small gesture," Kanae replied gently.

Having been granted power by the divine, she felt it only natural to use it to help wherever she could.

"If there's ever anything you need of me, please don't hesitate to ask," Kyojuro said, slapping his chest with a broad, enthusiastic smile.

"If Flame Hashira is ready, we should depart before nightfall," Kanae said, trying to divert the conversation. She found herself a bit flustered by this overly energetic and warm young man.

"Don't worry, I'll inform my father right away. However…" Kyojuro's gaze turned toward the house, where the silhouette of his father could faintly be seen sitting close to his mother.

"He's just too overjoyed to properly express his thanks right now. I must apologize on his behalf!" Saying this, he bowed again, his head nearly touching the ground.

"That's perfectly understandable. Lady Rengoku's illness has just been cured, and I'm sure there's much on her mind that she wishes to say," Kanae said with understanding. The sight reminded her of the many people she'd seen overcome with joyful tears when her parents were still alive.

"Then, I'll see you by evening."

"Rest assured, I'll ensure Father is ready and on time!" Kyojuro declared with vigor, his voice brimming with confidence.

Kanae bid farewell to the Rengoku residence and absently touched the Vision hanging at her waist.

Her ability to heal stemmed from her extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs.

Without needing to gather physical herbs, the "divine" power granted by the Vision allowed her to replicate their effects effortlessly. Moreover, the potency of the treatments was significantly amplified, enabling instant recovery from ailments and even the regeneration of lost limbs.

However, she could not bring someone back from the dead.

Resurrection was the exclusive domain of the gods.

Aside from healing, her swordsmanship had improved manifold—tenfold, at the very least.

When she wielded her blade, spectral images of medicinal plants would appear, each imbued with their respective properties.

Of particular note were the illusions of wisteria flowers, which could inhibit a demon's regeneration.

When she returned to the Butterfly Mansion, she saw her younger sister Shinobu practicing with her Vision.

The power Shinobu had been granted was different from her own.

Shinobu could harness the abilities of insects, which perfectly complemented her self-developed style of Insect Breathing.

Since her style only had four techniques, Shinobu could only utilize four insect-based abilities.

One of these was Butterfly Dance: Caprice, which allowed her to conjure spectral butterflies for both attacks and flight.

Flying through the air—a feat associated with legendary Adepti—was something Kanae found herself a bit envious of.

"Sister, you're back!" Shinobu said, pausing her practice and looking toward Kanae with delight. She eagerly began to share her discovery.

"Sister, I've found that if you place the Vision on your forehead, you can see something called a Constellation."

"Really? Let me try." Kanae, intrigued, placed her Vision against her forehead.

In an instant, she saw a pattern of six stars forming a constellation. She instinctively understood the information it conveyed.

"Peony Blossom Constellation?"

Shinobu exclaimed excitedly, "Mine is the Colorful Butterfly Constellation! Those stars seem to represent how close we are to fulfilling our wishes."

"When all six stars light up, it means the wish has been fulfilled!"

"I think the more stars we light up, the stronger we'll become! And if they're all lit, maybe we'll ascend to godhood!"

"Is that so? You're as clever as ever, Shinobu."

The two sisters enthusiastically discussed the Vision's many wondrous features, entirely unaware of how quickly time passed. Before they knew it, evening had arrived.

Yoshiwara Red-Light District

This district, a hub of entertainment and vice during the Taisho era, was home to brothels and pleasure houses—a place steeped in the entanglements of human love, hatred, and vanity.

By night, the district was ablaze with lights. Its streets were filled with all walks of life, lured by the allure of indulgence. Pink lanterns cast a suggestive glow, enticing customers with their promises of illicit delights.

From balconies and doorways, geisha adorned in elaborate attire called out to passersby.

Most of these women were sold into servitude by impoverished families seeking to make ends meet. Others had been abandoned as children, only to be taken in by kind-hearted proprietors.

For the lucky few, a wealthy patron might one day offer to buy their freedom.

Even among geisha, there were clear distinctions of rank. Those skilled in performing arts like singing and dancing sold their artistry, not their bodies, while those who did were called yūjo (courtesans).

The Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps walked boldly into the entertainment district, unmasked and dressed in their Corps uniforms.

Even with two holders of Visions present, they weren't foolish enough to take on Upper Rank demons in one-on-one battles.

If they could swarm and finish the fight quickly, why settle for a duel?

Unless they'd completely lost their senses.

"Though we've prepared, the sheer number of people in the red-light district is overwhelming," Kyojuro said, gripping the hilt of his Nichirin Blade.

"Crafty demons—hiding in plain sight under the cover of chaos," Sanemi Shinazugawa growled, his temper as fiery as ever.

"Amitabha... Fighting here will inevitably put innocents at risk," Gyomei Himejima lamented, tears streaming from his eyes.

"Heh, is that all that stumps you? Open your minds a little—don't be so rigid," Tengen said, a mischievous smirk spreading across his face.

"Sound Hashira, do you have a plan?" Shinobu asked curiously.

"Leave clearing the area to me. Once panic sets in and the crowd scatters, you all can make your move," Tengen declared, confidently giving himself a thumbs-up.

"Very well, it's up to you," Sanemi nodded.

"My smaller build will allow me to slip through Kyogoku House's tunnels and reach the underground cavern where the captured women are held," Obanai Iguro said, his muffled voice barely audible through his bandages. "That disgusting female demon—stuffing women into her sleeves like food. Daki is mine to deal with."

The thought of the cavern littered with bones made Shinobu seethe. How many people had those two demons devoured in this district over the centuries?

"I'll take Gyutaro," Sanemi said, cracking his knuckles, the sound echoing like thunder. "Once we draw him out, we'll all pile on him together—no chances given."

"Everyone, fight without hesitation. As long as you're not instantly killed, I can heal any injuries right away," Kanae reassured them, touching the Vision at her waist. It glowed faintly, casting a calming aura.

Tengen grinned and raised a triumphant thumb.

"Alright! If everyone's ready, let's get this show started!"

With that, he clapped his hands, and two oversized, muscular rats scurried to his feet, flexing their tiny biceps with a chorus of squeaks.

The sight was so absurdly comical that even the usually stoic Giyu Tomioka twitched, his expression almost breaking. "What are those?" he asked, incredulously.

"These are legendary ninja beasts—Muscle Mice! They're specially trained to handle jobs in tight spaces where ninjas can't go. Raising them took a lot of effort, but they're incredibly obedient," Tengen said with utmost seriousness.

From his clothing, he pulled out two small pouches, crouched down, and began squeaking at the rats in their own language.

The Muscle Mice saluted by placing their paws on their foreheads before grabbing the pouches and scampering off.

"Wait for the chaos to start, then move in," Tengen instructed before disappearing into the crowd.

"What the hell is he up to?" Sanemi muttered, his brows furrowing. He didn't have to wait long for the answer.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

A series of deafening firecracker explosions echoed through the night, followed by the shrill screams of women.

"AAAAHHHH! Fire! Fire!"

"Help! There's a fire here too!"

"Quick, put it out! Someone, help!"

"Customers, please evacuate! It's on fire!"

"What's going on? How did this happen?"

"This can't be real—how could so many places catch fire at once?"

"Someone must have set them deliberately!"

"Put out the fire! Hurry!"

The district descended into pandemonium, the pink glow of its lanterns replaced by the chaotic dance of orange flames.