Chapter 15

  After Doma appeared behind Akaza, it became clear that his patience had run out. Doma responded with a powerful strike toward Akaza. The air trembled from the force of the blow, and the situation nearly spiraled completely out of control. The ground shook, the surface began to crack beneath their feet, and the two demonic energies collided in a brief explosion. Jack stood between them, confused, but he began to realize that this might actually be a good thing. A conflict between two Upper Moons and their ck of agreement might work in his favor and in the favor of the entire Corps in the future—something he might be able to exploit.

  Suddenly, everything stopped. A deep and terrifying voice swept through the pce, like an echo reaching directly into their minds:

  “You wretches.”

  Both Upper Moons trembled. The voice was not merely words; it was a sensation flooding their blood, as if Muzan-sama existed within every cell of their bodies. Every movement, every thought, every strike—he felt it as though it flowed directly through his veins. Doma tried to resist. Akaza tried to attack. But the power was greater than both of them.

  Suddenly, both of them dropped to the ground, exhausted and disoriented, as if the hand pressing down on their bodies was invisible yet painfully real. Jack stood a few steps away, silently watching the scene. His heart was beating rapidly, but he realized something important:

  Muzan-sama was here… and Giyu might be approaching as well. His sense of danger had doubled, and his doubt in himself grew stronger. Would he do something wrong? Would they see him as a traitor? All these thoughts cshed in his mind as he stood within the shadows. Then, in an instant, Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, appeared before him. His face showed great confusion, and many questions filled his mind. His suspicion toward Jack grew. He did not know the exact reason, but he felt that Jack’s presence in this pce, at such a critical moment, could not be easily expined.

  Muzan-sama raised his voice again. It was unbelievably terrifying.

  “Withdraw now, you two scum. You have failed to carry out a simple mission. Even your deaths now will not satisfy me.”

  Without hesitation, both Upper Moons forced themselves through the wave of demonic energy imposed by Muzan and retreated to a safe pce, bound by Muzan’s absolute will. They felt immense anger as they looked at Giyu and Jack before them, unable to do anything. But they realized they were the cause of everything—or rather, only Doma realized that.

  Jack remained standing, catching his breath, realizing that everything had changed. His gaze toward Giyu carried something unspoken, as if it wanted to say that what you saw is not what you think. At that moment, Giyu stepped closer to him and spoke in a firm voice:

  “Again… why you specifically? And why here? And why are they colpsed? Answer me, or there will be no defense for you this time.”

  Giyu’s words ignited a new spark of doubt within Jack. He did not know what to say, nor how to justify his presence between the two Upper Moons at this exact moment. Everything seemed to be against him. Jack swallowed, trying to steady himself, but he found no words. A long silence passed between them. Finally, he spoke in a low voice:

  “I… I didn’t choose this. I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t necessary.”

  Giyu frowned, and the tone of his voice grew sharper.

  “Necessary? Do you even know what necessary means? You’re standing here between the two most dangerous demons alive. Every move you make is being watched, and one wrong step could cost your life—and theirs! How am I supposed to believe you?”

  Jack raised his head slightly, trying to look directly at Giyu, and said:

  “I know the situation is strange. I know nothing justifies my presence here. But believe me, I am not a traitor. I have done nothing that could harm you.”

  Giyu took a step closer to Jack. The air around him was charged with deadly energy as he spoke again, his voice deeper this time:

  “Why you in particur? Why did fate choose you to be here? And why do I feel that everything about you is mysterious? Could it be that you’re deceiving me? Their colpse was strange… could it be that you are stronger than them, you bastard?”

  Jack felt a chill run through him, but he forced himself to remain steady and said firmly:

  “Maybe you don’t understand now, but I will prove it. I will prove that I am not an enemy, and that what you see is not what I truly am.”

  Giyu looked at him for a moment in silence, then spoke with a final tone filled with suspicion:

  “That’s what I think for now. But every action you take—every step—will only increase my suspicion. And if there is any betrayal, you will not have a chance to survive. Believe me, I will kill you myself.”

  Jack nodded. His heart was pounding heavily. He knew that this moment would be a true test of his sincerity—and of his ability to survive among the greatest enemies, and with the one person most likely to doubt him: Giyu Tomioka.

  Far away from Jack and Giyu, Muzan-sama suddenly appeared before the two Upper Moons hours after their retreat. He stood in an open pce, calm—but his calmness was terrifying. His gaze pierced the darkness, making Doma and Akaza feel that every movement and every heartbeat within their bodies was under his watch.

  A dreadful silence filled the pce. The ground beneath their feet trembled slightly, as if the world itself acknowledged Muzan’s absolute authority. Muzan raised his voice—calm, yet more powerful than any attack.

  “You two are utter failures. You have brought shame upon me. Even your deaths now will not satisfy me, you despicable wretches.”

  Then he unleashed internal attacks upon them, causing blood to pour from every part of their bodies. Doma and Akaza, despite their strength, could not resist. They colpsed to the ground, exhausted and unable to move, trapped under the absolute will of their king.

  The sky above them was covered with clouds, and the wind carried a sense of danger. Then a terrifying voice spoke from behind Muzan—a voice that made the entire hall tremble.

  It was the Upper Moon One, Kokushibo.

  “Muzan-sama… do you wish for me to intervene?”

  Muzan smiled faintly, then looked at him with different eyes. It was clear that something far greater was coming… and that everything would change after this night.