After the two introduced themselves, the atmosphere in the room became increasingly harmonious.
Tamayo told Aoki about some of her research, while Aoki told her about his recent activities.
Suddenly, a hint of hesitation appeared on Tamayo's beautiful face: "Mr. Aoki, you now, um..."
Aoki, seeing her expression, quickly realized: "Ms. Tamayo, you want to ask me about eating people, right?"
Tamayo pursed her lips, her expression intelligent and gentle: "After I became a demon, I was in a state of self-destruction for a while and ate many people.
However, later, through body modification, I not only broke free from Muzan Kibutsuji's control, but also no longer needed to eat people; I only needed to drink a small amount of human blood to survive.
Yushiro is the same, and he needs even less blood than I do.
If Mr. Aoki is willing, I can try to help you..."
Aoki interrupted her directly: "I don't eat people."
Tamayo was slightly taken aback.
"I don't eat people," Aoki emphasized again. "I've never eaten people, nor do I need to."
Tamayo exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Aoki, do you mean you have absolutely no desire for human flesh and blood?"
"Yes," Aoki nodded. "I don't eat people; I live by eating demons!"
"Eat demons?"
Even Yushiro, who had been glancing at Tamayo absentmindedly, looked up at him.
"Don't believe me? Want to try?"
Aoki raised his palm, activated "Demon Devouring," and extended it towards Yushiro.
Yushiro frowned, dodging his palm, and explained to Tamayo's questioning gaze, "When his palm got close, I had a very uncomfortable feeling."
"Your senses are quite sharp!"
Aoki praised him.
But Yushiro wasn't very appreciative.
Tamayo hesitated for a moment, "Is this Mr. Aoki's Blood Demon Art?"
"More or less,"
Aoki replied vaguely.
It was best not to let others know about the system.
Tamayo didn't ask further, smiling slightly, "With this ability, Mr. Aoki will probably become a thorn in Muzan Kibutsuji's side."
"He already is,"
Aoki said. "A few days ago I killed Lower Moon Five. Oh, by the way, his experiences were somewhat similar to Muzan's in life, so Muzan took special care of him.
Muzan should be furious by now."
The two exchanged a glance and smiled knowingly.
The angrier Muzan was, the happier they were.
Yushiro, seeing this, almost ground his teeth to powder.
Aoki's expression turned serious. "Ms. Tamayo, I hope we can become allies and help each other in dealing with Muzan Kibutsuji."
"I'd be delighted!"
Tamayo sighed. "Unfortunately, it's not convenient for us to contact the Demon Slayer Corps directly. If we could unite with them, the chances of killing Muzan Kibutsuji would increase significantly."
Aoki remained noncommittal.
The Demon Slayer Corps, especially the Pillars, currently harbors extremely strong hostility towards demons.
In the original story, the Demon Slayer Corps was able to cooperate with Tamayo and Yushiro because of Nezuko's precedent, and the situation had become so dire that the pressure from Muzan Kibutsuji forced them to set aside their prejudices. The
current Demon Slayer Corps is not so easily persuaded.
He wasn't going to waste his time trying to curry favor with them, so he had no intention of having any dealings with the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Ms. Tamayo, I know you're skilled in medicine, so I hope you can invent a drug that can suppress Muzan Kibutsuji's ability to split and escape!" Aoki said.
This was his most important reason for seeking out Tamayo. The biggest obstacle to killing Muzan Kibutsuji is his ability to split himself and escape.
This was the very reason why Yuichi Tsugikuni failed to kill him.
Muzan lacks the tenacity of a strongman; once he senses his life is threatened, he will flee without hesitation.
To defeat Muzan, a method to counter this ability must first be found.
In the original story, it was Tamayo and Shinobu Kochō who collaborated to research and invent a medicine with multiple effects, including inhibiting Muzan's splitting, which played a crucial role in their eventual success in killing him.
Now, although Shinobu is absent, Tamayo has more time.
Tamayo said, "Actually, I've been conducting similar research for years, not only targeting Muzan's ability to split and escape, but also other poisons that can weaken him.
However, due to a lack of sufficient Muzan's blood, I haven't made any progress."
"I'll find a way to get the blood!"
Aoki said without hesitation.
A hint of joy appeared on Tamayo's face.
This was the advantage of having a powerful partner.
But her smile quickly vanished.
"Mr. Aoki, Muzan Kibutsuji is incredibly strong. Given enough time, he can break down any poison. It's impossible to kill him with poison alone."
Aoki's tone was calm. "Ms. Tamayo, you just focus on your research on the medicine. Leave the rest to me!"
Tamayo gave him a deep look and smiled gently. "Alright! I trust Mr. Aoki!"
Aoki then remembered something and asked, "Ms. Tamayo, is Muzan Kibutsuji in Asakusa?"
Tamayo nodded slowly. "Yes! As far as I know, Muzan Kibutsuji has multiple identities, and he spends more than half his time in Asakusa."
"Aren't you sure it's alright for you to live so close to him?" Aoki frowned.
Although in the original story, Tamayo and Yushiro were always safe and sound,
he wouldn't be naive about such a development.
Tamayo is now his crucial asset in defeating Muzan Kibutsuji.
Absolutely no mistakes are allowed! In fact, a significant reason they could survive under Muzan's nose was that he didn't consider them a threat.
He hadn't even bothered to search for them.
While Yushiro's abilities were useful, they weren't entirely untraceable.
This foolishness and arrogance ultimately became a major factor in his downfall.
"The reason I've stayed near Muzan Kibutsuji is because I've always hoped to find an opportunity to kill him."
Tamayo's expression was slightly complex, then she smiled gently. "Now, with Mr. Aoki's help, we don't need to take that risk anymore. We'll find time to move to a safer place later."
"That's perfect." Aoki nodded slightly.
...
The two chatted all night.
Tamayo, having lived for hundreds of years, was gentle, serene, intellectual, and elegant, captivating all who heard her.
Aoki, from the information age, though not as experienced as Tamayo, possessed an equally broad perspective, even surpassing his time.
Most importantly, their shared stance and identity created a natural affinity between them.
In the end, they both felt a sense of regret for not having met sooner.
At Tamayo's invitation, Aoki stayed, deciding to leave after the New Year.
Having traveled for so long, although not physically tired, he was mentally exhausted.
This would be a good opportunity to rest.
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(End of Chapter)