𝔸 𝕋𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖 𝕆𝕗 ℍ𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪 - 𝕋𝕒𝕟𝕛𝕚𝕣𝕠𝕦 𝕩 𝕌𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕠𝕟𝕤

꧁༒☬𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓕𝓲𝓿𝓮☬༒꧂

Muzan had lifted his hand slowly, glancing around the space. It had been his old room, so he figured it would suit for Tanjirou's. The furnishing was nice, but still simple in a way. It was mostly to keep Tanjirou comfortable. Which of course brought a hard truth to Muzan. He had yet explained the situation and now had to make a meeting to clarify that the human living with them was to be left untouched. There were a few Demons that may not argue, but there were still a few Muzan knew that would press the fine line he laid out. Sighing, he was torn from his thoughts as a hand snagged his sleeve, causing those red orbs to meet such bright eyes.

"You seem bothered... My being here isn't an issue, right?" Shaking his head, he adjusted his hat before breathing out another sigh.

"I gave you permission to remain here, so nothing can change that. I'm the master of this place, so don't worry about anything. This worry is not for anything more than relaying this news to the other's presiding in this space. After all, there will be moments you'll come face to face with them." Tanjirou gave an understanding nod, glancing toward the bed. He wandered toward it, taking a seat before he fell back. Felt the way the mattress comforted him. It truly felt wonderful. "Which brings me to the last of my words. I can see you're tired, so I'll leave you to sleep. This meeting should be short, so I'll check on you afterward."

"I understand. I'll be looking forward to seeing you again!" Once more a smile caught Muzan's breath, leaving him to offer his own calming smile. 

"Then I shall take my leave." Tanjirou nodded, watching Muzan slide the door open before he wandered off, leaving the door to close and bring Tanjirou once more into a silence that felt so heavy; yet it also brought a slight ease to his fears. After all, he wasn't alone even after the death of his family. Chuckling quietly, he rolled along his side before smoothing out his breathes as he welcomed the darkness that hung on the edge of his vision. 

As for Muzan, he wandered the halls before coming upon the meeting space where the Uppermoons were already present. Most were speaking amongst themselves, not that he minded. Honestly, today was one of the few days he was in a pleasant mood. Taking a seat, he cleared his throat to silence the Uppermoon. In less than a few seconds there was absolute silence, those red orbs scanning the area. All were present beyond Akaza, but that was accounted for. He had a task of his own. 

"I called this meeting to announce something to you all, so I expect you listen well. I'll not repeat myself and those that do not heed my words, do not deserve to remain. Think of this as another test of loyalty, if you must. As most know, I went out to clear up some trash. Unfortunately, I never found the specs of garbage I sought to find, but still returned with something else. I've brought into my care a human by the name of Tanjirou." It was only then that some showed their genuine confusion. Of course, only Kokushibo openly spoke without seeking permission. It was something Muzan often dismissed. His first Uppermoon was by far the most loyal.

"Why a human? You've always held such distaste for them, so I am more curious to why you changed your own opinions in a single trip. Surely you didn't adore humans before your travels?" Muzan shook his head, rising to his feet. He rolled his shoulders, meeting Kokushibo's gaze. 

"Of course not. My hatred for humans and Demon Slayers still remains."

"Then why? What's so different this time?" The Demon King shrugged before closing his eyes, a slight smile tugging along his features. 

"He was different from everyone else. As you Demons adore my features and respect me, he spoke highly of my appearance. He was kind, even to a complete stranger like me. In truth, I contemplated killing him or taking my leave, but I didn't after witnessing his family's death." Kokushibo raised a brow, waiting for Muzan to carry on. "His family was killed by humans, thieves as they're called. After meeting his mother clinging to life, she asked me to protect him. I get this is out of my character, but I found saying 'no' wasn't an option. I'm not weak, he just brought something new to me. Such warm feelings that felt so forgotten."

"No one here would call you weak. You gave us a place to belong; so, any who dare to look upon you with hate, I will willingly cut them down. I serve only you." Kokushibo's words rang out, earning all the others to nod along with the words. It brought a slight joy, though Muzan would never openly claim that.

"I am glad to hear such loyal words, Kokushibo. Speaking of, there was another matter I needed to state. It's mostly for you, Kokushibo; so, stay here once everyone is dismissed."

"As you wish." He bowed his head slightly, fixing the sword beside him. 

"To finish this meeting, I simply wish to state that no harm shall come to Tanjirou. He is my guest and may be a help in the future. He knows nothing of us being Demons, so for the time, keep it as such. That is all. You're free to introduce yourselves but be warned. Any who dare harm him has acted against me. It will NOT be forgiven!" Narrowing his gaze, he watched the Uppermoons bow. It made him take another breath, his cold expression forming once more. "Everyone, leave all beyond Kokushibo."

Without a single word, they spread out, heading different ways. It left Kokushibo alone, his body rising from the floor. He wandered toward Muzan, who ran his hand along his head of hair. That alone let the Uppermoon 1 know something was bothering his master.

"So, what must you speak with me about?" Muzan glanced toward the other, running his hand along his chin.

"Do you happen to remember your brother, the same individual I desire to not remember?" Those words brought a sudden silence, Kokushibo freezing a bit. He frowned, but ultimately nodded. 

"What of him?"

"Well, it seems Tanjirou matches him a bit. He possesses those earrings, the hanafuda ones. The same as your brother. I don't believe there is blood correlation, but he has some qualities that are far too similar." Kokushibo shook his head, folding his arms. 

"That's impossible, no offense to you. My brother would have never had a child, so I assume it's coincidence! That, or maybe my brother had some sort of connection that human's family. That is the only suitable reason." Muzan gave a low hum, sighing once more.

"Either way, I can tell he's different from your brother. I didn't mean to bring back his presence within your mind, but I was curious."

"I understand that fully but let me ask you something. What are your plans with this human? Someday he'll learn the truth and what happens when he tries to run away?" Muzan frowned, rubbing his neck.

"We let him leave. I made a promise and I plan to keep it. As for my plans, I want to see if he's capable to breathing techniques."

"So, you plan to train him to aid you?" There was a lingering silence before Muzan smirked. 

"Of course. He has received a home from me, so he'll be indebted to me. He'll be help in the future, not to mention; we can place a spy if able. He'll be a trump card, a human that works for me, the Demon King."

"That will no doubt bring danger to him. What makes you think he'll not betray you?"

"Simple. Humans caused his family's death. I, a demon, gave him shelter. We treat him well, he'll follow. He'll obey. Should danger come, I will do what I must, even if it entails bringing him into this dark life. He's already into his ankles anyway." Kokushibo sighed, nodding slowly. 

"I understand what your plans are. Let us hope everything turns out well then." Muzan nodded, tilting his head briefly. 

"Indeed. Tanjirou, from the moment I met him, he was different. That kindness was something genuine, so keep watch over him. It's not that I don't trust the others, but I plan to keep him around and as a human, he's in need of protection."

"So, I play a bodyguard now?" The Demon King nodded, straightening his expression. It fell cold, leaving Kokushibo silent after the next words.

"Exactly. So do NOT mess this up; especially since I trust you the most, Kokushibo."

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