The moment Kokushibo entered the Infinity Castle and saw Muzan Kibutsuji seated within the chamber, he immediately noticed something important.
Women's clothing.
Once again, Muzan had taken the appearance of a beautiful woman.
Kokushibo's expression softened into what could only be described as an elegant smile.
The instant Muzan saw that smile, alarm bells exploded within his mind.
For the first time in centuries, Muzan felt an instinctive urge to flee from one of his own subordinates.
Unfortunately, Kokushibo gave him no opportunity to escape.
"Muzan-sama," Kokushibo said calmly, "there are several matters I wish to discuss."
Muzan silently stiffened.
Something about his tone felt deeply unsettling.
Far too formal.
Far too serious.
Even Kokushibo himself internally felt embarrassed by the melodramatic delivery, yet with his imposing presence and composed demeanor, the words somehow sounded strangely convincing.
Muzan slowly forced himself to remain seated.
If he panicked now, the situation would only worsen.
"…Speak," he replied carefully.
Kokushibo stepped forward slightly.
"The first matter concerns the connection between us."
"My connection to your cells has disappeared completely."
At those words, Muzan nearly exploded internally.
How should I know?!
I'm the one who wants answers!
Last time I gave you so much blood I nearly weakened myself for days afterward!
Yet despite his inner frustration, Muzan maintained an outwardly composed smile.
"Is that truly a bad thing?" Muzan asked smoothly.
"You are now effectively free from my direct control. In theory, you could become a second progenitor of demons."
The statement carried hidden intent.
Muzan wanted to see Kokushibo's reaction.
If Kokushibo truly intended to sever ties permanently, Muzan would immediately summon the Upper Ranks and eliminate him before the situation spiraled further out of control.
However
Before Muzan could continue thinking, Kokushibo suddenly stepped closer and grasped his hand firmly.
"Muzan-sama," he said solemnly, "please believe me."
"I would never abandon you simply because I gained freedom."
"If even a single word I speak is false, then may I lose all right to wield these eyes again."
The sincerity in his tone was overwhelming.
No manipulation.
No Blood Demon Art.
Only raw emotion.
Muzan froze completely.
A horrifying possibility suddenly emerged within his mind.
Wait…
No way.
Surely not.
Could Kokushibo actually…?
The mere implication nearly shattered Muzan's composure.
Meanwhile, Kokushibo remained entirely serious.
Unfortunately, the oath itself made very little practical sense.
Demons regenerated instantly.
And neither of them could walk beneath the sun anyway.
Yet somehow, that only made the declaration feel even more irrationally sincere.
Nearby, Nakime quietly watched the interaction while gripping her biwa tightly.
For a brief moment, envy flickered within her single visible eye.
Lord Kokushibo is being ignored again…
Muzan immediately pulled his hand back and coughed lightly to stabilize himself.
"…I currently have no explanation regarding the severed connection," Muzan admitted.
"What is the second matter?"
Kokushibo appeared momentarily reluctant to release the warmth of that brief contact before continuing.
"The second matter…"
He lowered his head slightly.
"I ask that you grant me more of your blood so I may return fully beneath your command."
Muzan stared at him in disbelief.
Again?!
Was Kokushibo treating him like some kind of endless blood source?
Last time alone, Muzan had already provided an absurd amount of blood.
Normally, Muzan's blood dramatically strengthened demons while simultaneously deepening his control over them.
However, due to Tamayo's medicine and the purification process Kokushibo had undergone over the past year, ordinary control through Muzan's blood no longer functioned properly.
Even if Muzan personally transferred blood directly into Kokushibo's body now, the effect would likely remain limited.
Still
Muzan had no intention of weakening himself further.
Not in his current state.
"No," Muzan answered flatly.
The atmosphere instantly changed.
Kokushibo slowly stood.
Then, with complete seriousness, he bowed deeply.
"So… even you no longer trust me."
His voice carried unmistakable disappointment.
"In that case, perhaps we should no longer meet again."
Muzan's pupils contracted immediately.
Absolutely not.
Kokushibo could not be allowed to leave.
Regardless of how dangerous or strange the situation had become, Kokushibo was still the strongest demon beneath him and the greatest pillar supporting the Twelve Kizuki.
Without him, the balance Muzan maintained over demon society itself would become unstable.
Before he could think rationally, Muzan instinctively reached forward and grabbed Kokushibo's sleeve.
"Wait."
The sudden action caused Nakime's expression to brighten slightly.
With perfect timing, she quietly strummed her biwa and shifted herself away to another section of the Infinity Castle, leaving the two alone.
Muzan did not even notice her departure.
Kokushibo slowly looked back.
"Muzan-sama," he said quietly, "if you no longer trust me, why stop me from leaving?"
Muzan hesitated.
For a brief moment, he had completely forgotten his earlier intention to destroy Kokushibo if he attempted to sever ties permanently.
Now, all he felt was the desire to stabilize the situation somehow.
"Kokushibo," Muzan said carefully, "you are my most capable subordinate."
"Our relationship does not depend solely upon control."
"We can still remain… indispensable to one another."
Kokushibo listened silently.
Soulmates?
No.
If anything, they were two survivors trapped beneath the shadow of Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
Bound together by fear, obsession, and fate.
Still, Kokushibo did not expose those thoughts.
Partly because Muzan's grip remained firmly on his sleeve.
And partly because forcing the situation further would become dangerous.
"In that case," Kokushibo said after a pause, "allow me to maintain communication through Nakime."
"I wish to leave a portion of my cells connected to her Blood Demon Art."
Muzan narrowed his eyes slightly.
He immediately understood Kokushibo's true intention.
As long as Nakime remained connected to him, Kokushibo would always retain access to the Infinity Castle a perfect emergency escape route.
Yet after several seconds of silence, Muzan finally exhaled softly.
"…Very well."
A satisfied gleam flashed across Kokushibo's eyes.
"Muzan-sama truly is merciful."
Without realizing it, Muzan had gradually allowed Kokushibo far more freedom than any demon should ever possess.
Then Muzan suddenly remembered something.
"You said there were three matters."
At those words, Kokushibo's expression changed subtly.
His gaze sharpened.
For the first time since entering the Infinity Castle, true seriousness appeared across his face.
"The third matter…" he said slowly.
"I believe I finally understand the meaning behind that gaze."
Muzan's body instantly stiffened.
That gaze.
The memory buried deep within both of them.
The overwhelming presence that had haunted Muzan for centuries.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
Even now, merely recalling those eyes was enough to awaken fear buried within Muzan's instincts.
And if Kokushibo had truly discovered something connected to that memory
Then this conversation was far more dangerous than Muzan initially believed.