Chapter 29: Dōma, who just escaped from the tiger's mouth and fell into the wolf's den

With the battle over, the world reverted to its original state.

The chill dissipated, leaving the damp streets as the only trace of what had occurred.

"That was incredible!" Zhou Yi muttered, staring at the fading weapon in his hand, even he was awestruck.

Senji Muramasa, the renowned swordsmith of Kuwana, was a unique Heroic Spirit.

Famous for forging cursed blades like the legendary Muramasa, his legacy as a master craftsman earned him a place as a Heroic Spirit—an unprecedented feat.

"With such insane combat power, he does not look like a swordsmith at all

"Anyway, since Dōma has already been dealt with, I'll think about this later."

"System, claim the reward."

[No rewards available to claim.]

"???"

"What? Didn't I just kill Dōma, the Upper Moon Two?"

[Apologies, Dōma is still alive.]

"Still alive? How's that possible?!"

The last attack—Tsumukari Muramasa—was supposed to sever time and space itself, and at its peak, it's even said to cut through causality.

[Before the host could unleash the ultimate move, Dōma escaped.]

Zhou Yi's mind replayed Dōma's movements just moments ago.

"Tch, so that's how it is. As expected, killing an Upper Moon demon isn't that easy."

Zhou Yi accepted the reality.

[Not quite. Dōma had just received a blood infusion from Muzan Kibutsuji, which allowed him to create an ice clone that mimicked his presence almost perfectly.]

[Under normal circumstances, he would have been utterly dead.]

To Zhou Yi, this was at least a small comfort.

"Forget it. Next time, he won't get away."

In the distance, the sound of a commotion reached his ears.

"Quickly! It's up ahead!"

"Someone dares to attack our young miss? Brothers, get him and teach him a lesson!"

It seemed that the woman Zhou Yi had saved earlier had brought reinforcements.

Uninterested in stirring up more trouble, Zhou Yi leapt away and disappeared into the night.

By the time the furious household guards arrived at the scene, it was already empty.

"Where is he?"

"How are we supposed to explain this if we can't find the young miss's savior?"

A lackey standing next to the leader grumbled.

Slap!

The leader smacked him immediately. "Savior? Call him the young master-in-law!"

"The young miss said we must find him! Everyone, search thoroughly!"

----

In a dark corner of Asakusa...

In the dead of night, a man and a woman were tangled in an illicit tryst.

"Stop it! I have a husband, you know…"

"Don't worry, that's exactly what excites me…"

Their exchange alone reeked of shady intent.

Suddenly, a heavily wounded Dōma stumbled into the alley. His breathing was labored, his clothes were in tatters, barely covering the scarred and battered body beneath.

"How terrifying…"

Memories from the ice clone flashed vividly in his mind.

That sword strike—it had shattered all his pride.

"Even though it was only my substitute that was struck, I can still feel the damage reflected back to me. It's absurd…"

Cough!

Dōma spat out a mouthful of blood and slumped against the wall. The crimson liquid froze upon hitting the ground, forming a small patch of ice.

His former elegance was nowhere to be seen as he fled in disgrace. His eyes were bloodshot as he propped himself against the wall, trembling.

He was nearing death. Even Muzan's potent blood, used recklessly in desperation, had been depleted.

At this point, even an ordinary Demon Slayer of the lowest rank could kill him with a single swing of their blade.

His vision blurred, and he failed to notice the man and woman in the shadows.

"Who's there? Stop sneaking around and come out!" The man, startled, shielded the woman and hurriedly began dressing.

Despite their carnal indulgence, the pair had maintained a level of vigilance—clearly experienced in such situations.

Hmm?

Humans?

Dōma sneered. "So, I've fallen this far…"

If it were anyone else in this state, what would they do?

Dōma pondered for a moment before making his move.

"Heaven hasn't forsaken me! You, the Water Hashira—you never saw this coming!"

A crazed, raspy laugh echoed through the shadows.

"What a buzzkill!" the man cursed, unnerved by the deranged stranger. Muttering their discontent, the couple decided to leave.

But in the blink of an eye, icy projectiles shot out from the shadows, pinning them both against the wall. Their lifeless bodies hung there, frost creeping across their pale skin.

The two individuals died on the spot.

After taking some time to approach, Dōma looked at the two lifeless bodies with a hint of disgust.

He hesitated.

"I can't die yet!"

A powerful survival instinct surged within him.

Finally, Dōma gave in and devoured them both.

Cleanly and completely, leaving only traces of blood scattered around.

Dōma, known for his pickiness, had abandoned his principles in the face of life and death.

"I must report this to Lord Muzan!"

The terrifying gaze, the sharp technique—these thoughts churned in his mind.

Swallowing the flesh and blood with difficulty, Dōma managed to recover somewhat.

Though his wounds had healed, he could still feel a searing pain beneath his pale skin.

The injuries inflicted by Zhou Yi may have physically mended, but the residual energy continued to erode Dōma from within.

"How terrifying... that man is!"

Suddenly, the sound of a biwa echoed sharply, and a door appeared in the shadows.

With a heavy heart, Dōma re-entered the Infinity Castle.

Visiting Lord Muzan twice in one night—this was anything but bad news!

The same warped sensation of weightlessness followed. Moments later, he descended in the same ungraceful manner.

But this time, Dōma fell heavily at Muzan's feet.

"We just parted ways, didn't we, Dōma?"

"How pitiful you look."

"Who defeated you?"

Muzan's cold voice carried infinite murderous intent.

Danger!

Dōma, still recovering from his grave injuries, could barely withstand the oppressive aura emanating from his master.

Lowering his head, he knelt in submission.

"Lord Muzan! I barely survived to report this matter to you personally."

"Speak."