The Demon's Apprentice || Rewrite

Illusion

Muzan lazily turned the page of the book, taking a brief pause to write something down in his notes. "I see that you've brought along a new demon. Given your usual discretion, it's unusual for you to turn someone.

The Demon King then turned his focus directly onto Kokushibo, his gaze holding intrigue. "Tell me, what about this one caught your attention enough?"

No words from the Upper Moon were necessary. Kokushibo simply gestured towards Tanjirou, and Muzan understood. The man's gaze hardened, his expression shifting from bored to something more intense, as if he was struggling to suppress a glare.

"Hanafuda earrings..." Muzan noted, his voice carrying a hint of an irritated growl. "So, you suspected that this child could possess the same potential as that monster, is that right?"

Kokushibo nodded in reply, confirming his suspicions. "Yes, Lord Muzan."

Muzan let out an irritated huff, his eyes locked on Tanjirou for a moment longer before returning to Kokushibo. "Make the boy useful. If he prooves to have potential and not be a total waste of time, I will not kill him."

"I will... ensure he is... useful, Lord Muzan." Kokushibo responded firmly, easily understanding how serious the warning is. He briefly glanced at Tanjirou, a flicker of concern crossing his features before he shoved the feeling back down. He's a demon, he's not supposed to feel such things as concern.

Muzan turned back to his notes. "If I am given even one reason to doupt his usefulness, I won't hesitate on killing him. Dismissed."

Kokushibo stood up with a nod, and motioned for Tanjirou to follow. The boy swiftly stood up, visibly holding back from straight up collapsing under the Demon King's intense hatred. Kokushibo felt slightly impressed by the young demon's demeanor. Even the Lower Moons would shiver in fear in the Demon King's precense, but Tanjirou managed to maintain at least some semlance of calm.

Tanjirou trailed after Kokushibo, his steps a bit unsteady, the encounter with Muzan having left its mark. Kokushibo had suppressed the urge to call Tanjirou a timid coward, but he quickly reminded himself that the young demon was, after all, just a child. It's only natural for demons, especially young ones, to fear Muzan and his wrath.

Even the Upper Moons, despite their high status, often struggled to resist flinching in the face of Muzan's anger, no matter how hard they willed themselves to keep their composure.

And it was completely natural for Tanjirou, as a demon and that too a young one, to fear the Demon King. Such response was an inherent aspect of their demonic nature.

And besides, Kokushibo was aware of Muzan preference for seeing demons trembling in fear before him, as it reinforced his sense of power and dominance. Those fearful reactions were a constant reminder to Muzan that he was the most powerful of them all, a fact that he relished in.

Tanjirou's initial fear began to subside, and he seemed to regain his composure as he followed quietly behind Kokushibo. The two of them walked in silence for a while longer.

Kokushibo finally broke the silence, his tone cool and measured. "Lord Muzan's presence... is overwhelming... so you have... no reason... to feel ashamed... for being afraid."

Tanjirou perked up in surprise, not expecting Kokushibo to reassure the boy of his fear. Then Tanjirou gave a sheepish nod. "Yes, sensei."

"Good." Kokushibo replied and continued to walk. After a small pause he added. "It's natural... for a young... demon to be... intimidated by... his presence, but...as you... grow stronger, you... will learn... to suppress... your fear."

Kokushibo had intended for the sentence to be an advice, but Kokushibo might've not used the right tone for the young demon to notice the advice in the first place.

However, Tanjirou nodded, complitely understanding. Seeing Tanjirou nod and understand the advice, Kokushibo felt a faint hint  of satisfaction and contentment. Not only did the boy seem to understand the advice given, but also already took it to heart.

Kokushibo noted Tanjirou's receptiveness. It was a positive sign, a clear indication that Tanjirou was willing to learn and absorb the guidance given to him.

It was a good trait to have, a far cry from the typical newborn demon's behavior. Many demons, newborns and centuries old, would take offense at receiving advice, especially from fellow demons. Muzan of course would be an exception, but would never bother giving advice, considering it a waste of his time.

Tanjirou's eagerness to learn and embrace advice was rare. Many demons saw accepting advice as a sign of weakness, viewing it as an admission of their own shortcomings. Such a trait was already difficult to find even amongst humans, and was practically non-existent in demons.

But Tanjirou was different. He was willing to grow an improve, to adapt and change, with the help of the others. It wan't just a matter of talent; the boy had the drive and the willingness to absorb knowledge and wisdom from those around him. And with Kokushibo as his mentor, Tanjirou's eagerness to learn would certainly not go to waste. As a centuries-old Upper Moon, Kokushibo had the expertise and experience that many could only dream of.

Reflecting on his decision to turn Tanjirou into a demon, Kokushibo had to admit that it might've not been a bad choise after all. The boy's potential was immense, and what he might achieve in the future was an intriguing mystery, one that would solve itself with time. Tanjirou had piqued Kokushibo's curiosity, and he was now more interested in seeing what the boy would achieve next.