The two continued walking, their footsteps elongated by the moonlight, appearing exceptionally harmonious.
Soon, they reached the edge of the town. Perhaps because night had just fallen, the place was bustling with dim lights and noisy crowds, forming a sharp contrast with the quiet bamboo grove they had just left. Muzan looked at the scene before him, and after confirming there was no sign of the Demon Slayer Corps, he felt relieved and emboldened.
"Kokushibo, let's go."
With that, Muzan stepped into the town first. Kokushibo followed closely behind, and their figures soon melted into the bustling crowd.
In the days that followed, Muzan and Kokushibo lived in the town as a married couple. They bought a small house and began a life that seemed ordinary yet hid deep secrets.
Relying on his superior intellect and methods, Muzan quickly established an intelligence network within the town. Through various channels, he gathered clues about the Calamity Demon while remaining constantly vigilant against the movements of the Demon Slayer Corps.
As for Kokushibo, he transformed into an ordinary husband, silently guarding Muzan. He went out to work during the day (though he didn't actually work, he simply avoided the sunlight in an unnoticeable spot while establishing a public persona for the locals), and returned to the small house at night to accompany Muzan. Their lives seemed uneventful, yet both Kokushibo and Muzan maintained constant vigilance in their hearts.
Heh... Me, the mighty Demon King, actually playing the wife... Sob...
Whatever, playing the part is fine. It's just crossdressing, isn't it?
Muzan was extremely confident in his crossdressing skills, and indeed, the "feminine charm" he displayed startled even Kokushibo.
As time passed, the life of Muzan and Kokushibo in the town gradually attracted people's attention. Their harmonious coexistence and deep affection for one another made many envious and full of admiration.
"Oh my, isn't this Miss Mika? Out strolling with Mr. Kurosaki again tonight?"
A middle-aged woman greeted them with a teasing smile. "Mika" and "Kurosaki" were the false identities used by Muzan and Kokushibo.
"Ah, good evening, Sister Minako. You look radiant today. Did something wonderful happen?"
Muzan, dressed as a woman, smiled and greeted her back. Even in female form, Muzan's appearance remained breathtakingly exquisite. A waterfall of long black hair was pinned up at the back of his head, adorned with a simple yet tasteful hair ornament that added a touch of approachable beauty.
In particular, those rose-red eyes were unforgettable.
Standing beside Muzan, Kokushibo had concealed his six eyes, revealing only a pair of dark golden orbs. Kokushibo had transformed into a short-haired man. Though his appearance was utterly ordinary, standing there, he still emitted a distinct and unusual aura.
Playing the role of Kokushibo's "wife," Muzan immersed himself in the identity to perfection. He affectionately linked arms with Kokushibo, radiating the aura of a virtuous wife.
"My, my, Miss Mika really has a sweet mouth."
Delighted by the compliment, Minako beamed with joy and told the couple in front of her about her daughter's upcoming wedding. Although Muzan had no interest in such trivial matters, he patiently congratulated her and exchanged a few polite pleasantries.
"Oh, that's right, Mika. Did you know a few warriors wearing black uniforms came to our town today?"
"Hm? Warriors?"
Muzan and Kokushibo exchanged knowing glances, instantly realizing these warriors were members of the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Yes... They seem to have come here to rest for a bit."
Minako muttered, then patted her head as if suddenly remembering something and said:
"Oh my, I forgot that my son-in-law is coming today. I must be going, Miss Mika, Mr. Kurosaki. Let's chat again when we have time!"
Waving goodbye with a smile, she hurried off in the opposite direction.
Muzan watched Minako's departing figure, a look of grave seriousness flashing in his eyes. He lowered his voice and said to Kokushibo, "It seems the Demon Slayer Corps has reached this town. Be careful not to expose ourselves—I've worked so hard to build this intelligence network... I can't let these small fry ruin it."
Kokushibo nodded, scanning his surroundings to confirm there were no abnormalities before setting his mind at ease. He replied in a low voice, "Yes, My Lord. I will remain vigilant at all times to ensure the safety of our plan."
The two continued their stroll, but the atmosphere had grown heavy. Minako's words echoed continuously in Muzan's mind as he began to ponder how to deal with the incoming Demon Slayer members.
Just then, a figure suddenly appeared in their line of sight. It was a warrior in a black uniform, exuding an aura that Muzan found extremely familiar. He recognized him instantly—it was the young man he had let escape before.
Aizawa and his teammates had come to this town simply while passing through, because their Kasugai Crow had told them yesterday that suspected demon attacks had occurred west of this town. They had arrived here just this evening, and by sheer coincidence, ran into Kibutsuji Muzan.
Only, they hadn't realized it.
The disguises of Muzan and Kokushibo were practically flawless; unless an expert or someone possessing the Transparent World came along, no one could possibly tell they were demons.
However...
Muzan seemed to have underestimated the psychological trauma he had inflicted on the young Demon Slayer before him.
When Aizawa and his teammates arrived here, he immediately noticed the "couple" nearby.
The man was tall and imposing, while the woman looked beautiful and virtuous... They were a match made in heaven.
But when Aizawa's gaze fell upon Muzan—
He froze abruptly.
Not for any other reason, but because he saw the woman's eyes. Those rose-red eyes.
Though different from the terrifying vertical pupils of the Demon King Muzan he had encountered previously, Aizawa still felt a strange sense of familiarity from the woman in front of him.
Naturally sensing the youth's gaze and watching him look as though he were about to walk over, Muzan cursed inwardly.
He could easily kill all of them right here, but doing so would undoubtedly expose him.
Muzan didn't want to expose himself just yet.
In that case...
Muzan's eyes drifted to a flower stall nearby.
He had a good idea.