[Fan] Chapter 16-20

### Chapter 16: The Flames of Jealousy Burn Fiercely!

【

The brotherly bond was instantly eclipsed by disgust, which flared wildly the moment a lower-born dared to cross the line!

That day, Yoriichi, who had always only watched his brother train from the side, picked up a bamboo sword for the very first time—spurred by a careless joke from one of their father’s retainers.

Michikatsu only stood by, watching.

His little brother knew only a few chants and the basic way to grip a sword. It was child’s play at best.

But then—a violent gust of wind swept past Michikatsu’s eyes. A shadow flickered, and in the next instant, Yoriichi was already standing in front of their father’s retainer!

“Bang—!” A heavy thud rang out four times in a single heartbeat.

And before the eyes of a child only seven years old, the burly, highly skilled samurai collapsed helplessly to the ground—like nothing more than a clumsy target dummy!

Even the bamboo sword in his hands had been split clean in two, the broken pieces dropping before Michikatsu’s eyes.

By the time he came to his senses, it was already over. Mouth agape, horror flickering in his gaze, Michikatsu wanted to say something—anything—but not a word would come out!

A gaping abyss yawned before him, threatening to swallow him whole!!!

Just now… what happened…? His brotherthat weakling…?!!

Only at this moment did Michikatsu finally understand.

All his years of effort, everything he had worked toward—in front of his younger brother—it was nothing but a joke!!!

That same retainer, whom Michikatsu had never once managed to defeat, had been struck down by Yoriichi as easily as swatting a fly.

Absurd… utterly absurd!!!

】

.........

【Orochimaru: “Magnificent! For a seven-year-old child, his instinct and battle reflexes are simply beyond imagination! Born strong, is he?”】

【Gabriel: “I think I finally understand why he would be called god.”】

【Naruto Uzumaki: “That was awesome!! What’s that move called? He knocked that big oaf flat in one hit!!”】

【Tanjiro Kamado: “So this is… Master Yoriichi?”】

【Miyamoto Musashi: “Exquisite. If he continues to grow, perhaps one day he’ll even surpass ‘emptiness’ itself.”】

【Dracule Mihawk: “As I expected. This man is truly a natural-born prodigy of the sword.”】

【Mahito: “Hehehe does no one care about that poor kid? He looks about ready to break”】

.........

[Demon Slayer World]

“That’s how it was…!” Kokushibo’s eyes burned with rage.

Why hadn’t such overwhelming talent revealed itself from the start?!

Why conceal it—why, of all people, must it be my brother who possessed it?!

...

Butterfly Mansion, Demon Slayer Corps

“Whoa! Feels like Master Yoriichi was already stronger at seven years old than I am right now!” Zenitsu exclaimed.

“No need to ‘feel’—he was,” Inosuke replied while picking his nose.

“Hey, you bastard!”

“…As long as one has true strength, they can protect their family, right, Master Yoriichi?” Tanjiro smiled faintly, relieved that Yoriichi had found his path.

But still… Tanjiro hesitated.

Why is it… that as Yoriichi’s elder brother, Michikatsu’s heart would turn out this way?

Aren’t older brothers supposed to love their younger siblings?

【

At the age of seven, a child felled a trained samurai in four strikes, leaving the man unconscious. The news reached his father almost immediately.

But after that incident, Yoriichi abandoned the thought of becoming a warrior. He hated the feeling of striking another person.

Michikatsu still clung to a sliver of hope. Perhaps… perhaps Yoriichi had only discovered some secret to growing stronger?

Pressed again and again, Yoriichi finally revealed the truth. Yet his words were beyond Michikatsu’s comprehension.

In Yoriichi’s eyes, all living beings were transparent. He could observe the expansion of the lungs, the alignment of the bones, the contraction of muscles, the flow of blood.

This clarity, this transparency—he was born with it.

And with such perfect ability, every technique became effortless, every motion possible.

】

...

【Tri-solarian Leader: “This… how can this be? Could it be that Yoriichi Tsugikuni is a higher-dimensional existence? Otherwise, how could he view the world directly from a four-dimensional perspective?”】

【Tengen Uzui: “Flashy! Absolutely dazzling! A flashy transparency, a flashy combat sense, and such a blindingly flashy talent that I can hardly bear to look!!”】

【Dracule Mihawk: “As expected, a natural-born strong one. If given the chance, I’d like to test his swordsmanship.”】

【Gamamaru: “In our world, he would no doubt be hailed as another Child of Prophecy.”】

【Jiraiya: “Such power… what is the mission that awaits him? For what purpose does he live?”】

【Kiriya Ubuyashiki: “Demons. Flesh-eating demons, led by the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji.”】

【Orochimaru: “Hiss~ If they’re called demons, then surely they possess extraordinary abilities.”】

【Shinobu Kocho: “They’re inhumanly strong, with all sorts of bizarre powers. Unless you sever their heads with a Nichirin blade, or expose them to sunlight, they simply will not die.”】

【Douma: “That’s right~ Lord Muzan is the strongest of them all!”】

【Albedo: “Heh. Ignorant fool. At best, he’s the lowest tier of the undead race. How dare such trash proclaim ‘the strongest’ before Lord Ainz Ooal Gown?”】

...

【

Whenever the topic of swordsmanship came up, Yoriichi’s expression grew desolate. Compared to wielding a blade, he would rather fly kites with his brother.

Michikatsu’s eyes grew hollow. That vast gulf between them swallowed him little by little into an abyss.

So all this time, his so-called “compassion” as the stronger sibling had been nothing but self-delusion.

And the glory he had bought with endless suffering and blood… in the face of Yoriichi’s effortless brilliance, it seemed no greater than the glow of a firefly—tiny, pitiful, and fleeting.

Dust—that was all it was.

They both knew what choice their father would make. Their fates had already reversed.

It was during this time that their mother passed away. Yoriichi delivered the news to his brother, adding that he would enter the temple earlier than planned.

He drew out the small wooden flute he had treasured, gazing at it with infinite tenderness.

“I will treat this flute, a gift from my brother, as my brother himself—and I will never abandon it.”

The young boy bowed deeply, then waved farewell to that house devoid of warmth.

Later, when Michikatsu looked into their mother’s diary, he discovered the truth. Yoriichi had left early so as not to hinder his brother’s future. He had known about their mother’s illness years before.

What had seemed like childish clinging had, in fact, been his small, frail body supporting their mother.

And Michikatsu… had known nothing.

Sweat slid silently down his face as he read. His body was cold, his heart overcome by uncontrollable dread and fury.

In strength, in purity of spirit far beyond his years… in everything, Yoriichi had surpassed him.

No gratitude, no admiration—only…

Only the humiliation of being pitied, and a searing hatred for his prodigy younger brother!!!

】

...

【Ancient One: “A pitiful soul consumed by jealousy.”】

【Nami: “Uuuu… Master Yoriichi is so strong and so gentle, yet no one understands him…”】

【Dio: “As expected of Yoriichi Tsugikuni! He so effortlessly accomplished what Michikatsu could never do! Hahahahahaha!”】

【Thor: “As an elder brother, one should have a generous heart! I’ve never once envied my brother Loki!”】

【Loki: “…? You fucking what?! You son of—%￥#@#@!!”】

---/---

### Chapter 17: The Day of a God’s Suffering! The Tragic Yoriichi Tsugikuni!

【

Genius and mortal.

That cruel, dimension-crushing comparison dragged Michikatsu deeper into the abyss.

Hatred. Disgust. Fear—

Though both stood at the summit, the fire of jealousy burned him to ashes.

Yet Yoriichi knew nothing of this. He was kind to the point of willingly becoming the displaced “sacrifice.”

As the “forbidden child,” his only bridge to love had been his mother and brother.

His family’s confinement spared him from the filth of the outside world, keeping his genius heart pure and serene.

So when he finally stepped beyond his home, Yoriichi’s heart held no fear, no confusion.

Beneath the night sky, he wandered alone.

The stars stretched endlessly, dazzling across the heavens.

His stride grew faster, and faster still. He ran beneath that infinite starlight—

The natural wind, the endless road, and a heart no longer bound!

That radiant “divinity” merged with nature itself, and his dark eyes glowed brighter, shimmering with brilliance!

He was like a kite no longer tethered to his mother’s hand, soaring free at last, cutting away the final thread of attachment!

From sunrise to sunset, through the fading darkness, until exhaustion consumed him—Yoriichi never once stopped!

】

...

【Momo Kashiwabara: “If you feel pain or weariness, then run! Let the wind of nature cleanse your soul!”】

【Eren Yeager: “…In that moment, I swear I saw Yoriichi like a bird breaking its chains, soaring through the sky.”】

【Merlin: “Most humans are like drifting leaves—tossed, trembling, and finally succumbing to the ground. But a rare few are like stars, following their destined paths. The fickle winds of fate cannot reach them, for within them lies a course already set.”】

【Might Guy: “Yes!! That’s it, boy! Run! Burn! This is youth!!! Uuuu!!”】

【Kuroko Shirai: “Oi oi oi! Old man, what kind of chuunibyou nonsense is this?! How do you end up crying over yourself?!”】

【Koyuki: “Master Yoriichi truly is a gentle soul… he will surely find happiness one day.”】

【Doma: “Koi…yuki… who are you?”】

.......

【

For a full day and night, the young Yoriichi ran without rest. By dawn, he reached the edge of the fields.

There, he met a small, lonely girl his age.

What puzzled him was that she just stood there, motionless.

When he asked, she explained: an epidemic had taken her family. Alone and grieving, she wanted to catch tadpoles to bring home.

Yoriichi, dazed by her sorrow, suddenly blurted out: “Then I’ll go home with you.”

The girl—Uta—stiffened, turning her head in surprise. Her eyes were already brimming with tears.

In those obsidian orbs shimmered a faint light, reflecting the small boy before her.

In that instant, something filled Uta’s heart.

Bathed in the sunset glow, Uta wiped her tears and brought Yoriichi home. She chattered endlessly along the way, while Yoriichi listened quietly, never showing the slightest impatience.

Day and night. Seasons passed. Year after year. The two lived together, loving each other deeply.

Until at last, they became husband and wife.

And as time flowed on, Yoriichi realized it fully—his view of the world was utterly different from everyone else’s.

This was the source of his… alienation.

There would never again be another person like him in this world.

But whenever Yoriichi drifted into silence, Uta would simply squeeze his hand, smiling, anchoring him back to that warm, ordinary world.

The girl held tightly to that kite whose string had long been cut.

】

....

【Eriri: “Uuuu! Now this is the real script! So sweet!! Uta best girl! Childhood friend best girl!!! All those so-called ‘fated encounters’ can get lost!!”】

【Utaha Kasumigaoka: “But isn’t Yoriichi meeting Uta also a kind of ‘fated encounter’? What’s a mere blonde barking for?”】

【Ichigo Kurosaki: “Ah… Master Yoriichi is so gentle. He truly was happy.”】

【Satania: “Wahaha~ As the Great Demon Lord of Hell, I recognize you two humans! Now live happily ever after!!”】

【Zoro: “What a shame… with such talent, he never kept up his training in swordsmanship?”】

【Goetia: “There will come a time.”】

【Ritsuka Fujimaru: “…Eh?”】

【Merlin: “Ritsuka, haven’t you realized? Everything you gain, every trial you endure—destiny has already written its price tag.”】

...

[Demon Slayer World – Infinity Castle]

A hideous Lower Moon demon wore a thoughtful look. That woman… had he seen her before?

..........

【

“Yoriichi, be careful~” Uta waved with her round belly, smiling.

“Mhm.” Yoriichi nodded. She was about to give birth. He needed to fetch a midwife.

Swift as ever, he reached a remote path before half a day had passed.

But just as he was about to leave, a cry stopped him—an injured old man.

Kindhearted as always, Yoriichi carried him across three mountains to his sons, returning only near midnight.

Yet he wasn’t anxious. Just as he could see hidden illness in others, Yoriichi could clearly calculate the timing of his wife’s labor. Going for the midwife tomorrow would still be in time.

The silver moon hung high, slowly swallowed by dark clouds…

When Yoriichi returned home and slid open the door, glaring blood trickled toward his feet.

His wife and unborn child—both brutally slain.

Even that which he treasured above life itself… could be trampled so easily?

Yoriichi did not weep. His eyes showed no light.

He only staggered forward and clung to Uta’s lifeless body, holding her for ten days and nights.

His one wish had been to live quietly with his family. To raise his eyes and see the face of his beloved. To stretch out his hand and feel their warmth.

That alone… would have been enough.

But even that simple wish was shattered like glass by the attack of demons.

Should he hate? Should he rage? Should he wail?

Nothing would change. What was lost had vanished like smoke.

Only loneliness and grief would linger forever in Yoriichi’s heart.

It was only when the Rengoku clan’s swordsmen, tracking demons, found him that he was persuaded to bury his family.

Yoriichi rose, his gaze empty yet resolute, fixed on the horizon.

From then on, he would fight—to purge this world of demons, that purest evil, and to protect its beauty.

But the kite he once held so tightly in his hand… had once again lost its string.

】

...

【Orochimaru: “Even gods are not spared from suffering.”】

【Sagiri Izumi: “…Wait… you’re joking, right? How could such a kind sister like Uta just…”】

【Gabriel: “Haa… there really are things too foul to exist in this world.”】

【Tsunade: “The cruelty of fate… tragic.”】

【Orochimaru: “Human life is far too fragile.”】

【Touka Kirishima: “Man-eating… monsters.”】

【Escanor: “Abominations lurking in the dark! Let them witness the sun—even in the dead of night!”】

【Meruem: “It is but the natural law of life. The strong take, the weak lose. No one else to blame. If you have power—avenge it.”】

【Tanjiro Kamado: “AAAAHHH! Damn demons! I’ll kill you all! Not a single one left!!”】

【Muzan Kibutsuji: “Damn demons!!!”】

【Gintoki Sakata: “…? Oi oi, why’s the thief yelling ‘catch the thief’ now?”】

---/---

### Chapter 18: Muzan’s Wrath! A Vow to Protect Yoriichi’s Family!

[Demon Slayer World – Infinity Castle]

The air grew even heavier than before.

Kokushibo stood in silence, not uttering a word.

Akaza’s expression darkened, as if recalling something.

And Muzan—her teeth ground so hard it echoed through the hall.

For years she had asked herself, why? Why did that monster have to kill her?!

Now she finally knew.

Who was it?! Who?!

Her fury surged, ready to erupt like a volcano. The female Muzan was prepared to scour the memories of every demon across centuries if she had to.

And then, a blue-faced, tusked demon with a vacant look stood proudly.

“Lord! It was I who killed his wife! Please, reward me!”

In an instant, three figures pierced through his body. What followed was endless torment.

“At last… at last, I’ve found you,” Muzan whispered, caressing the broken Lower Moon with a twisted smile.

“Eat. I’ll make you eat until you choke.”

She, Muzan Kibutsuji, swore—if she could return to the past, she would protect Yoriichi’s family forever!!!

.........

Butterfly Mansion

Tanjiro fought tirelessly against Shinobu, enduring blow after blow.

Even covered in bruises, he refused to stop.

Only when Shinobu struck him down so hard he couldn’t rise did he finally collapse.

“Hey! Tanjiro, are you crazy?!” Inosuke rushed over, but by then Tanjiro’s face was already soaked in tears.

“M-my family… they were just like Master Yoriichi’s…” Tanjiro sobbed uncontrollably.

It was his fault he was weak. His fault he hadn’t returned home sooner. His fault…

“Lady Shinobu…” Kanao’s voice trembled.

“It’s fine. Let him cry,” Shinobu shook her head.

Life is filled with sorrows no amount of tears can wash away. That is why those who are truly strong… are the ones who laugh the loudest when they want to cry. Carrying pain and sadness, they smile as they keep moving forward.

.........

[Pokémon World]

“Demons are unforgivable! If we were there, we’d wipe them all out with Thunderbolt, right?!”

“Pika~pi!” Pikachu’s body sparked with lightning.

.........

[No Game No Life: Zero]

“Riku… when someone dies, does that mean you’ll never meet them again?” Schwi asked, staring at the scene of Uta’s death and Yoriichi’s grief.

“Not necessarily… maybe in another life, they’ll meet again,” Riku forced a smile.

“No! Schwi wants to stay with Riku in this life, forever!”

.........

[Fate World – Fourth Holy Grail War]

Wearing the solemn black robes of a priest, Kotomine Kirei loudly proclaimed the “love” from the Scriptures.

But his eyes brimmed only with twisted delight.

.........

[Dragon Raja]

Beneath the cherry blossoms, petals falling like rain, a figure like a princess stood amidst the pink sea, quietly weeping.

The little monster was a villain.

.........

[Clannad World]

Okazaki Ushio, her short brown hair messy, curled into a ball without a word.

She… didn’t want to be separated from her family.

But her mother would never return.

.........

[Attack on Titan World]

“Nothing can be changed. Nothing can be changed at all!”

Even someone born strong had failed to protect what he cherished most.

So what could an ordinary, powerless man ever hope to do?!

Eren’s pupils shrank violently, the memory of his mother’s brutal death flashing once more in his mind!

Why is there so much misfortune in this world?! Why are there so many monsters?!

.........

【

And so, Yoriichi finally became a member of the Demon Slayer Corps.

With his arrival, the Corps—who had struggled against demons for countless years—underwent a complete transformation!

Depending on each person’s nature, Yoriichi guided them in training different Breathing Styles.

From his own creation, the “Sun Breathing,” as the source, the strongest swordsmen—the Hashira—fused their own strengths into new, derivative styles. Thus were born the Flame, Wind, Water, Thunder, and Stone Breathing, all branching from the same origin!

From then on, the Demon Slayer Corps advanced with overwhelming momentum, pushing back the growth of the demons for a time!

During this period, Yoriichi even saved his elder brother, who had been attacked by a demon deep in the mountains.

“You… you’re Yoriichi?” Michikatsu pointed at him in shock.

“Yes, Brother. It’s been so long,” Yoriichi replied, joy flashing in his heart. It was the joy of reuniting with kin—the one bond he still held dear.

Just as always, Yoriichi greeted his brother with boundless respect and trust.

But he never noticed how his dazzling figure, slaying demons, tore through Michikatsu’s heart. That fire, long smothered, burst back to life—twisted and wild.

The flames of jealousy, concealed beneath his calm exterior, burned fiercely, as though searing through his very organs!

】

...

【Goetia: “Human desire is truly terrifying.”】

【Tiamat: “Aaaaaaa——”】

【Merlin: “And if it weren’t so, how would they be called human?”】

【Boros: “So… hypocritical, filthy, chaotic. And yet… among them are also those with kindness. I’ve seen enough to understand humanity.”】

...

【

Yoriichi’s strength drove Michikatsu to abandon his wife, his children—everything—just to chase after him.

The battle against demons never ceased. Every swordsman trained day and night, but no matter how they struggled, none could catch up to Yoriichi.

Even when others awakened their Demon Slayer Marks, still they lagged behind.

He was simply… too strong.

Even Michikatsu could not master Sun Breathing, forced instead to develop his own derivative—Moon Breathing.

Often, Yoriichi would speak with his brother. Their generation was far too powerful, he said, so the hope of passing down their Breathing Styles was faint.

But Yoriichi always carried hope for the future.

“We are not such great figures. From beginning to end, we are but dust within the long stream of history. The world always advances.

One day, those who come after us will surely step into our realm. There’s no need to worry.”

Michikatsu said nothing, his gaze growing darker and darker.

When a genius humbly called himself ordinary, all Michikatsu felt was mockery and disgust, his jealousy burning hotter.

Always—always saying things like that!!

Why must you wear that nauseating face, Yoriichi Tsugikuni?! How long will you keep up this act?!

Blinded by his twisted envy, Michikatsu never saw the childlike purity of Yoriichi’s heart.

Never saw that stainless soul.

Never saw… the grief and aimlessness that had haunted him since the day his wife and child were taken.

“No matter the time, we can always leave this world without regrets…” Yoriichi said with a rare smile, standing beside his brother.

But time flew by. One day, the peace was broken. Yoriichi found himself surrounded by the other Demon Slayers.

It turned out that those who awakened their Marks had begun dying for no reason!

The truth was revealed—the Mark was nothing more than borrowing life from the heavens! Those who bore it could not live past 25!

The news left the swordsmen in disbelief, their fear quickly turning to resentment. One by one, they cast blame upon Yoriichi.

】

...

[Demon Slayer Corps]

“Cowards!!!” Sanemi Shinazugawa muttered furiously.

If you feared death, then why join the Demon Slayer Corps in the first place?!

---/---

### Chapter 19: What Do You Take Life For!!!

【

Because of this matter, Yoriichi was further isolated. Those who once respected him now cast hostile glances his way.

Yet Yoriichi paid them no mind.

The fickle winds of fate could not sway him. His only goal now was to find the Demon King!

And then, not long after, in a dense bamboo grove—fate’s threads converged.

The moment he saw the figure walking toward him, Yoriichi knew.

This was the progenitor of all demons.

Faced with an evil beyond words, Yoriichi’s heart pounded violently once more!

His expression hardened to ice. Slowly, he drew his long blade. He knew. He understood.

He was born into this world for one purpose only—to strike down such ultimate evil!!!

】

...

【Gintoki Sakata: “Oooooh! Finally face-to-face!! I’m kinda fired up now!”】

【Ruiko Saten: “Maybe Master Yoriichi was right all along. His very existence was to wipe out this ominous being before him.”】

【Ginko: “This fellow… is he possessed by some kind of bug? No… perhaps under the influence of unknown medicine.”】

【Gabriel: “Ahhh… just at a glance, he radiates nothing but evil.”】

【Mikoto Misaka: “I wonder what level of physical reinforcement this Demon King has. Maybe around LV4?”】

【Yuji Itadori: “Will he win?!”】

【Kyojuro Rengoku: “Hard to say. There are many legends about Master Yoriichi, but few ever saw him fight in earnest. Some claim that when he faced Muzan Kibutsuji, the two clashed in a bloody battle—Muzan was gravely wounded, yet Yoriichi was too drained to pursue.”】

---

[Demon Slayer World]

“Bloody battle? Too weak to pursue?”

In a dim room, Tamayo shook her head.

No—there was no such thing as a battle.

Even after more than a hundred years, that blinding strike was etched into her heart.

It was one-sided slaughter.

Had Muzan not been so cunning, everything would have ended that day.

---

Across the Worlds

Countless eyes widened as they stared at the screen, anticipation rising.

The progenitor of demons, Muzan Kibutsuji—against the god who walked among men?!

Please, don’t let this disappoint.

【

Yoriichi barred the path.

Behind Muzan, Tamayo frowned, noting the scarlet-haired man’s Nichirin blade.

A Demon Slayer… but what could that matter?

This was the Demon King!

Muzan himself gazed mockingly at Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Just an ordinary-looking man, a bit gloomy perhaps. Did he bear some personal grudge?

Heh. Countless die each year to natural disaster, yet none come seeking vengeance.

Better to accept him as a calamity. Live quietly, and survive.

Worthless insect—

But no.

From this man’s body radiated a raging vitality, like molten lava bursting from a volcano. The scorching heat seemed ready to devour everything in its path.

This… was the source of all tragedy!

Yoriichi tightened his stance, body coiled, prepared for battle.

“I’ve lost interest in swordsmen who wield Breathing Techniques,” Muzan sneered, fearless even at their first meeting.

In a flash, his body became sharp whips, powerful enough to slice through giant boulders, lashing toward Yoriichi!

Yoriichi shifted instantly, the ground behind him torn apart as an entire swath of bamboo forest collapsed!

The speed. The range. Terrifying. Even the sound of the air being cut stretched far into the distance.

A single graze would cripple him. For the first time in his life, Yoriichi felt a chill run down his spine.

Through the Transparent World, he saw this monster clearly—seven hearts, five brains!

And in that same instant… he saw every single weakness of Muzan Kibutsuji!

In one breath, Yoriichi completed the ultimate form of Sun Breathing!

The ink-black night sky erupted as though a blazing sun had risen!

All of heaven was set alight, searing flames burning away the dark!

Beyond the twelve forms, he transcended their limit—shaping them into a perfect cycle in a single moment!

The eternal sun flared with blinding heat, to annihilate the man-eating monster hiding in the shadows!

】

...

Across the worlds, countless beings felt their scalps tingle as that blazing sun rose before their eyes!

Beautiful. Scorching. Radiant. Warm!

And indeed, under the power of the vision, unnumbered spectators felt as though they were truly there, basking in its heat and brilliance.

Because of that, even many of the strongest beings could not help but be moved!

【Naruto Uzumaki: “W-what just happened?! Just now?!”】

【Kukulkan: “The sun~ it’s the sun itself! This child is magnificent!”】

【Giyu Tomioka: “Impossible… to complete the final form in an instant?! How—how is that even possible?!”】

【Hiruzen Sarutobi: “The Will of Fire, unending, eternal! As long as the leaves fly—”】

【Tobirama Senju: “Enough, monkey. Stop spouting ‘Will of Fire’ everywhere, it’s embarrassing!”】

【Zoro: “Such exquisite swordsmanship… utterly mesmerizing.”】

【Tanjiro Kamado: “He actually wounded Muzan Kibutsuji so severely in an instant! Master Yoriichi is beyond strong!”】

【Shirou Emiya: “So this… this is a god walking among men. The living avatar of divinity itself!”】

【Subaru Natsuki: “AAAAHH!! I’m fired up! I want to learn the sword too! Amazing! I’ll definitely become a sword prodigy like Master Yoriichi!”】

---

[Demon Slayer World – Infinity Castle]

Unlike the cheering multiverse, the female Muzan convulsed with bulging veins, her body flushed blood-red in terror.

Every cell in her body shrieked in agony. Though she was only watching, the sensation of death tore through her, unbearable and suffocating!

“AAAAHHHH!!! YORIICHI TSUGIKUNI!!! How long will you torment me?! YOU are the demon! YOU are the monster!!!”

“Why?! If Heaven created me, why would it allow you to exist as well?!”

With a thunderous boom, the female Muzan’s body exploded under the sheer weight of pain and pressure, scattering into countless chunks of flesh!

The fragments slowly reformed, and with blood-red eyes she glared at the barrage of comments across the screen:

‘Yoriichi Tsugikuni! Unstoppable!!! My blood is boiling!’

‘1513 strikes in one second! All twelve forms unleashed—126 full sets in a single second!’

‘Can you believe the wounds still burned on the Demon King a hundred years later?!’

‘Everyone stand up! Incoming high-energy moment!!’

‘A world-class masterpiece! An eternal scene!!!’

---

【

“Kh… cough, cough!!”

His body hacked into pieces, Muzan vomited blood in torrents, barely keeping himself upright.

What shocked him most—the severed wounds would not heal!

He could not believe it. This man… this man!!!

Every vein bulged, every cell shrieked, his very life instinct howling in despair like prey before its natural predator.

Yoriichi, gripping his blazing Nichirin blade, did not strike the final blow.

He simply stood tall before Muzan, the pitch-black sky swirling with killing intent and bloodlust. Like demon, like asura, decades of sorrow and rage surged up at once!

From the depths of his heart, he dragged forth the question buried within him—

A question on behalf of the countless victims, on behalf of his murdered wife and unborn child, on behalf of himself.

“Where is the humor in it? Where is the joy?!”

“You—what do you take life for?!!”

】

---/---

### Chapter 20: The Life of Yoriichi Tsugikuni Was Nothing But Suffering

【

“Where is the humor in it? Where is the joy in it?!”

“You—what do you take life for?!”

The terrifying figure unleashed a dreadful aura. Muzan Kibutsuji could not answer. His face turned red, then black, under the weight of his fear and rage.

From his senses came the greatest malice; in his ears, only the buzzing echo of death.

Yoriichi noticed the woman who had been following Muzan—she had not helped him. In fact, when she saw Muzan grievously wounded, her eyes flashed with the light of human hope!

Yoriichi resolved to kill Muzan first and end it all.

But at the brink of death, Muzan did the unthinkable.

He ground his teeth to shards. His body exploded, scattering into countless pieces of flesh just to escape the swordsman before him!

The sight was beyond imagination. Yoriichi faltered for only a heartbeat. Then his red Nichirin blade blazed, a sun flashing through the night sky.

In that instant, he cut apart more than fifteen hundred fragments!

And yet, Yoriichi knew—it was not enough. Muzan had escaped.

He had missed the one, perfect chance. Muzan would never appear before him again.

Overwhelming regret and sorrow crushed Yoriichi’s heart.

A sobbing voice reached his ears. Tamayo collapsed to her knees—so close, they had been so close!

Who could have imagined that Muzan had overcome even the weakness of his neck?

In her fury, Tamayo screamed Muzan’s name, but she did not die. The truth was revealed—Muzan had been so terribly wounded that his control over her was broken!

Looking at this woman who hated Muzan with every fiber of her being, Yoriichi hesitated… but did not kill her. From Tamayo, he learned much about Muzan.

And he confirmed what he already feared: before his own death, Muzan Kibutsuji would never again show himself.

】

---

【Gilgamesh (Chuunibyou): “Hmph, hahahaha! How delightful! To see that mongrel’s disgrace laid bare! My abs are splitting with laughter! Mongrel, what do you take life for? Speak it loud before your King! Hmhmhmhm!”】

【Muzan Kibutsuji: “Insolent human! Do not go too far! @Gilgamesh (Chuunibyou version)”】

【Gilgamesh (Chuunibyou): “Oh~ the mongrel seems displeased with his King.”】

【Merlin: “Hehe All living things thrash wildly in the face of death. Even an ant is no exception. Muzan turning his body into flesh chunks—adorable, really”】

【Doma: “How dare you compare Lord Muzan to an ant!”】

【Aizen: “But compared to Yoriichi Tsugikuni… isn’t that exactly what Muzan is? Life is fragile.”】

【Aqua: “What do you take life for?! Answer me, you bastard! Puhahahaha! Did you see Muzan’s face? He turned green from fright!”】

【Tokai Teio: “For one who disrespects life, I too agree with punishment—severe and merciless!”】

【Shinjuro Rengoku: “Yoriichi Tsugikuni! Why didn’t you kill Muzan back then?! You fool!”】

【Kuroko Shirai: “…? Old man, you’re hilarious. Yoriichi fought because he loved this world, not because he owed you anything.”】

【Spider-Man: “But with great power comes great respon—”】

【Deadpool: “Hold it, Spider-Bro, stop farting philosophy already. If power’s that great, come share some with me, I’m starving here!”】

---

[One Punch Man World]

“Sensei, do you think Yoriichi was wrong or right?” Genos asked quietly.

“Eh? Wrong? How? Where’d he go wrong?” Saitama turned his bald head, looking baffled.

“Genos, just take me for example. I’m a hero purely for fun. Not because I have to be one.”

---

【

When Yoriichi returned to the Demon Slayer Corps, devastating news shattered him completely.

His elder brother… had become a demon.

And he—he had failed everyone’s expectations. He had let Muzan escape, and he had let Tamayo escape as well.

His mother, his wife and child, his brother—one by one, all had left him. A crushing loneliness and grief rose within Yoriichi’s heart.

Though he possessed unmatched strength, he had failed to protect anything at all.

And soon after, a flood of malice nearly drowned him.

Former comrades who once fought at his side now turned against him—because he had let Muzan escape, because his brother was a demon, because he had spared Tamayo, because of the Mark. All pointed their blades at Yoriichi—everyone except the Rengoku family.

Some Hashira demanded his expulsion. Others called for him to commit seppuku.

But in the end, the Lord of the Corps—only six years old at the time—stopped them.

Still, burdened by unbearable guilt, Yoriichi felt he no longer had the face, nor the right, to remain.

Before leaving, he entrusted the Rengoku ancestor with the bitter truth: Muzan would never appear again before they died of old age.

And with that, even the Rengoku ancestor’s hope was extinguished.

】

.................

【Mash: “Even the people Yoriichi trusted most turned on him…”】

【Aizen: “Betrayal that you can see is not frightening. It’s the betrayal you cannot see—that is the most terrifying.”】

【Kal’tsit: “He failed to protect what should have been protected, and failed to destroy what should have been destroyed. Yoriichi… truly had no value.”】

【Chaotic Evil Gudako: “A man like that should be strung up and toyed with by tentacles for life, ahaha!”】

【Meruem: “Aren’t these humans far too insolent? To think the strongest one among them bowed to such nonsense!”】

【Merlin: “Because humans are social creatures. Because Yoriichi was far too kind.”】

【Artoria: “So this is the vaunted Bushido? How disappointing.”】

..............

[Demon Slayer World]

“Hahahahaha… Yoriichi Tsugikuni, Yoriichi Tsugikuni!”

Shinjuro Rengoku clutched a sake cup, laughing loudly—but as he laughed, tears streamed down his face.

Because after witnessing Yoriichi’s half a life, he no longer had any right to scold him for failing to kill Muzan back then.

“Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s life… was far too bitter.”

---/---