~*~ 

THREE WEEKS LATER - IN THE INFINITY CASTLE - (Third Pov:)

~Twang!~

"Hmm?" Kuragari hummed.

The alternate dimension.......infinity castle......

His golden eyes glance around registering the fact he's been summoned, which he was unsure what it was about. It was his first summoning without being asked, and he didn't like it one bit seen he was Upper Moon four. His spot still claimed, with Nakime beneath his rank. The endless void of thousands, no, millions of rooms that filled his vision. Many lanterns were lit around, lighting up the dark void. 

"It's you....." A gravelly voice spoke.

Kuragari's golden slitted eyes meet the demons, "Akaza.......you're here," with a scoff, before glancing around. "What's the meaning of this.....?"

Akaza rolls his eyes, "A summoning, meaning......one of our own has been slaughtered," he begrudgingly replies. "Hoping for a specific someone, but it's definitely not you......" with bitterness in his tone.

 "...'Scuse me for talking then," Kuragari rolls his eyes, with a sarcastic grumble.

Suddenly the sound of a soft thud alerts the two their attention, before noticing a beautiful porcelain vase settling in the centre of the wooden flooring. Assuming who it is obviously, Kuragari wasn't at thrilled at the least. With a gentle roll of the vase on it's own, you would think it would topple and shatter very easily.

"Well, well, if it isn't Lord Akaza and the new demon," A familiar voice, echoes through the small vase from afar. The sound of water welling up and through the round opening, two pairs of hands reaches and latched around the rim of it before a head pokes out. Slowlt the body oozes out with a face with eyes replaced by two mouths, and the mouth with the eyeballs inside and in the center of the temple. His skin so sickly grey contrasted the piercing eyes, of the fish like Demon that crawled out. 

"Tch, and who are you?"

"How lovely it is to see you in such good health," The demon spoke; with a sadistic grins completely ignoring Kuragari. "What? Has it been ninety years since I last saw your face? When I was summoned here, I thought for second you might've perished and my heart began to sin--...." before clearing his throat. "....my poor worried heart was filled with anguish with the thought of it......."

"You're even weirder than I thought," Kuragari grimaces, before the Demon smirks. 

"I'm Gyokko, two ranks below you it appears......" He sneers, venomously before grinning. "To think such a young demon, can surpass me so quickly........I would've rather you dead as well."

"How terrifying, how terrifying!" A shaky and fearful voice echoes, causing Kuragari to glance over to a demon hiding behind the wooden railings of the stairs. He slowly crawls up to still cower behind the railing, "It appears that the time we've been apart you've forgotten so much as to count, Gyokko."

The demon has a massive round lump on his head with two spikey turned up horns, with narrowed red eyes with a slouched posture that represents his cowardly persona. Though he seemed rather like a goblin like demon, Kuragari couldn't let his guard down one second around these demons. He hadn't met a few of them, only knowing Akaza, Kokushibo and Nakime. 

"I-It's been a hundred and thirteen years since we were last summoned," The demon continues, holding his fingers up. "That's an indivisible number, an uneven number.....and it's odd. Terrifying, terrifying!"

"Biwa woman!" Akaza spoke up loudly, towards the woman who was perched upon the floors above where the two stood. "Has Lord Muzan arrived yet or not?!"

~Twang!~

The mysterious woman plucks the strings once, while she was knelt on her knees in a gentle manner. Her hair masks her eyes, only showing the red lips and pale complexion of the silent woman. She doesn't react as much, "I can say with certainty that he has not," She replies, blatantly.

"Then what about upper one?" Akaza inquires, with a demanding tone. "Is he here? Don't tell me it was him who somehow got killed....?" leaving bitterness in his tone.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!!" Another cheery voice appears, to Kuragari's ears. Light's flickering all off completely simultaneously with a fiery crackle, with a shadow lurking towards them. "You're beginning to hurt my feelings here, Lord Akaza....weren't you even a little concerned about me?....." a hand appears from behind Akaza.

Kuragari was on his guard finding this new demon to be more sadistic than the next, but he was gradually adjusting to the twelve kizuki. 

The Demon's hand rests upon Akaza's shoulder, "......Here I was worried sick, something might've happened to you," He spoke in a condescending tone, his grip tightening on Akaza's shoulder with his purple tainted talons. "After all you're a cherished comrade of mine, and I'd be heartbroken if I lost any of my comrades...."

"Ah, greetings Lord Douma," Gyokko acknowledges the demon.

Douma glances over his shoulder with a wide grin, "Hi Gyokko, long time no see.....is that a brand new vase?" He greets back, with a playful wave. "It's beautiful! Remember the one you gave me, I'm using it to display a woman's head......fits perfectly."

"I never intended for it to be used like that," Gyokka replies, in surprise. "Though I must say I'm intrigued," ending with a chuckle.

"You'll love it, you should come to my place sometime!" Douma adds, with wide eyes while his hand remains upon Akaza's shoulder.

A subtle growl rumbles in Akaza's throat, "Get off,"

Douma turns around with an obvious expression, "Hmm?"

"Get your hand off," Akaza demands, with disgust distorting on his face and his brow irked with a dangerous undertone. Within a second Akaza punches the bottom jaw of Douma, blood spraying onto the rush tatami not far from where Karaguri stood. Silence fills the room, but thick tension started to build when Hantengu exclaims in horror. Douma takes a moment as blood spills down from his broken jaw and mouth, only for it to regenerate instantly.

Douma's rainbow eyes grew wider, "Wow, that was quite a punch," he grins tauntingly, knowing exactly how to patronise Upper Moon three. "I must've mistaken, you've gotten slightly stronger."

Akaza's temple and brow irks with a dangerous look, giving him a warning glare.

"You've asked about upper one earlier," Nakime spoke up, breaking the tension. "He's the first one I've summoned, in fact he's been here all along."

A low gasp escapes Akaza's breath sensing the Upper Moon's presence, which emanates a powerful aura. Kuragari knew him enough to fear the demon, but his arrogance covered it up.

"I've been here the entire time," Kokushibo announces, with a deep and empowering voice. "It seems Lord Muzan has arrived."

The sound of a droplet echoes through the endless void of the Infinity castle, causing a shiver to run down everyone's spine. All attention was on the king of all demons that stood upside down up above the rest of the demons, sampling with blood DNA. 

Muzan nonchalantly studies a tub of blood, "Gyutaro is no longer with us," he informs all the demons, who were on guard. "But luckily though I've gained a new Upper demon thirteen years ago, it's not incomplete however......."

"Oh is that true my Lord?!" Douma questions him, finding himself on his knees while keeping up with appearances. "No, you have my sincerest apologies. Since I was the one who brought Gyutaro in, how can I atone for this embarrassment.......let's see, I can gouge an eye out! Or maybe--"

"Keep your wretched eyeballs," Muzan glares heavily. "I have no need for them........I knew that Gyutaro would be defeated. As expected, Daki proved to be his weakness....." while writing a few things down. "....had he fought on his own from the start, he would've assuredly won. If the battle hadn't gone on after that he had poisoned them, oh well.......none of it matters anymore........"

Muzan was deeply disappointed and angry within, while his hand pauses from jotting his notes down.

"......how worthless, can't you see how far you're falling on who has the most of their humanity remaining," Muzan continues on, with a chilling tone. "But I guess that's fine, it's nothing new.....I've come to learn that I should expect nothing from you."

"You're saying such tragic things again, but think about it...." Douma spoke up, with a smile. ".....really, has there ever been a time I didn't meet your expectations, my Lord?"

Muzan's slitted plum red eyes narrowed, "For starters, you have yet to annihilate the Ubuyashiki family," He spoke up, with bitterness. "...and whatever became of the blue spider lily?......"

Akaza's nails scarred the floor in frustration, being reminded what Muzan did to him many nights ago on the day the Flame hashira passed. 

Suddenly one of muzan's test tubes failed to meet his expectations, before he slams his hands on the table forcefully with anger. A powerful force emanates around him with anger rippling through his body; veins aligning his deep anger and pure frustration.

"For Centuries has passed, and you have nothing to show for it!" Muzan growls, venomously. "Answer me this.....Why do you exist, if your soul purpose has become to disappoint me?!" the glass jars and tubes began to shatter upon his table, blood spilling into nothingness. 

"Ahhhh! Please, forgive us!" Hantengu pleads, vehemently. He was already on his hands and knees fearfully, "I beg of you, I beg of you!!!"

Akaza remains silent and Kuragari was unaware of such power, that he tried to keep himself not swayed by Muzan's incredible power. 

"I have nothing to say in response," Kokushibo replies, nonchalantly. "However, Ubuyashiki is a master in evading us."

Kuragari's brows furrowed, "I have no reply, but I'm doing the best I can......" he growls, beneath his hot breath. 

A belated sigh leaves the Upper two demon, with closed eyes and lack of respect.

"I'm afraid detective work isn't my strong point either," Douma sways side to side, on his knees in a playful position. "I'm at my whits-end here."

"Pardon me, Lord Muzan!" Gyokko calls, with desperation to have his life spared for their inconveniences. "But I have something for you! You see I have required some juicy information that I think will interest you, information can change everything. Just a mere moment ago--"

Muzan's eyes sharpen, "Have I ever told you lot how much I detest change?" he reminds them, when within seconds Gyokko's head was in the palm of Muzan's hand. It was detached from his body, "Change is circumstance, changes of flesh....changes is ones motions...most changes cause only weakness and inferiority....and I am not weak. What I'm interested in, is permanence. To forever remain in perfect condition, immune to the disease of change...."

Kuragari swallows thickly in response, having for the first time to witness the incredible strength Muzan has. To rip a head clean off within a split millisecond was beyond incomprehension, and even Kuragari himself was fearful of his master.

"....for the first time in over a century, an Upper Rank has been killed," Muzan continues, his eyes darkening and the lights around began to dim the void to darkness. "My frustration has reached it's boiling point, don't ever give me unconfirmed information and wipe that smirk off of your face!"

~Twang~ 

The head of Gyokko falls down a great distance before landing beside the fallen body, as Muzan's eyes remain indifferent towards his demons.

"I'd advise you all to act with more urgency, from here on out," Muzan adds. "I suppose you're all not entirely at fault for you inadequacy, I've been too lenient with you because your Upper Ranks. Gyokko, once you've confirmed that information to be true, you're to head over there with Hantengu at once."

Once Muzan spoke those very words, shoji walls built around and soon disappeared from their sight, dismissing himself.

Leaving Hantengu, Gyokko, Akaza, Nakime, Douma, Kokushibo and Kuragari behind to dwell on their wrong doings, Kuragari was definitely more motivated by the terrifying feedback. The dragon demon glances around wondering how else to go on, or what his next step is. That is until Hantengu began to tremble, with a whimper and groan.

"Y-Yes, understood my Lord," Hantengu nods, in agreement.

Gyokka got his head up with four of his limbs to support him, about to make his next move. Suddenly a shadow casts over the fish-like demon, "Lord Gyokko, what kind of information do you have?" Douma questions, with a misleading smile. He picks up Gyokko's head, "I'd like to tag along."

"But......that wouldn't be--" Gyokka spoke, with uncertainty.

"You can tell little old me, I won't tell anyone--" Douma was cut off, when Akaza appears from behind, punching through his skull. Blood sprays yet again across the paper thin walls, as half of Douma's face was cleaned off in a bloody mess.

"I don't remember hearing Lord Muzan giving you orders back there," Akaza darkly sneers, blood dripping from his blue fingertips. "Get lost--"

Within seconds Akaza's hand was severed from the wrist, dropping with a thud to the floor was his hand.

"Akaza....." Kokushibo's voice rumbles, threateningly. ".....you always go too far......"

"It's alright Lord Kokushibo," Douma assures him, as the rest of his face renegerates within the blink of an eye. His lips splayed in a wide malicious grin. His eyes glowing vibrantly, "I don't mind in the slightest....."

"It's not for your benefit, that I chose to speak," Kokushibo dismisses Douma, nonchalantly. "He disrupts the  hierarchy, which in term gives heed to insubordination amongst the ranks. It's unacceptable......"

Silence falls between the demons, before Douma's eyes widen and clicks his fingers, "Oh.......I see,"

"Akaza, if you're unsatisfied with the ranks, then why not back up your words and challenge him to a battle," Kokushibo suggests; which was a fair decision to make if need be. 

"Come on, cut him some slack," Douma assures the Upper Moon one, with a smile. "He's just messing around...you know as well as I do, if you were to challenge us, you'd only embarrass himself. Look he's just angsty, that's all," he sits down, with his legs crossed together comfortably. "Probably because I became a demon after him and still got promoted before him.I'd be upset too if I were in his shoes. Don't be so hard on him......" 

He suddenly goes on all fours and crawls towards Kokushibo. "...and I mean besides, I didn't dodge his attack on purpose. It's harmless horseplay," before returning to sit back with his legs crossed toegther. "This is just our little way of nurturing our friendship, those of us are on top shouldn't be giving our subordinates a hard time. Don't you think--"

"Akaza!" Kokushibo spoke, as if a command. His words made Akaza's blood boil, running hotter than like a blue flame. "From here on out, you are to show some respect. Do you understand?"

"Oh I understand," Akaza growls, before glancing over his shoulder with piercing glowing eyes towards Kokushibo. "I understand to kill you, if it's the last thing I do."

Kokushibo walks away, "Is that so?" He inquires, with a hint of mockery in his tone. "Then I wish you the best."

Kokushibo glances over to Kuragari with a subtle glare, before disappearing into thin air as he was released back to his location he originally was before the summoning.

"See you around Lord Kokushibo!" Douma calls. "Bye, bye.......I don't know how but, I feel like I got shot out of that entire conversation. Oh but that's okay, I'm used to it......"

Suddenly Akaza disappears from sight, as he leaves the area.

"Wait Lord Akaza!" Douma calls, before he pouts childishly. "Oh.....I wasn't done talking."

Gyokko's head starts to walk subtly away from Douma, rushing towards Nakime, "Please send Hantengu and myself to the same location as fast as possible!!!" He cries out, desperately to get away from Douma's clutches.

~Twang~Twang~

After they both disappeared, all that remained were Douma, Kuragari and Nakime who sat or stood in silence. 

"So.........you're the new Upper Moon four?" Douma spoke up, turning to the Dragon Demon. "I gotta say, those horns do suit you quite well.......it's interesting how your form took on that appearance......and even how this is our first meeting!"

Kuragari grimaces, "Upper Moon 2, huh?" he scoffs, with a roll of his eyes. "Just don't get in my way, you freak...."

"What? How am I the freak?" Douma pouts, rolling on knees in childish manner again. "I've heard quite alot, how you managed to kill many men in so little time. I mean, women are the source of good nutrients. That's how you get ten times the power.......sadly Akaza won't dare eat a woman in his life. They're just beautiful delicacies.......ready to be ripe, and eaten....."

"You talk about women as if they don't matter," Kuragari sneers. "I despise women, and I eat whoever I please, regardless their gender. When I get this girl I will--"

"A girl? Is she......a lover? A family member? A friend?" Douma appears suddenly beside the Dragon demon. "Wow, I do like a good story......please do tell?"

"I can't remember whom she is, but Lord Muzan specifically wants her dead," Kuragari spoke; a dark expression that made his golden slitted eyes glow. "She's mine to kill........seen I've failed too before, so I'll do it again when the time is right."

"Awe......but maybe I can have a taste, it would be a waste if you don't savour her body," Douma whines.

Kuragari brushes his hand away and turns to Nakime, "Send me away!" he demands, following with the twang of the Shamisen, he disappears into thin air.

"Biwa lady! Send me with Gyokko!" Douma asks, but she doesn't fulfil his insistent request with silence. Feeling dejected by this he sighs, as he waves to her, "Hello! I know you can hear me! Your free to join me down here if you want!"

She raises her bachi to her Shamisen again, "I respectfully decline," with a single strum, he disappears into thin air to his original location.

~*~

THE NEXT DAY ~ AT THE DRAGON ESTATE - (Hayami's Pov:)

"Hmm, Lord Gyomei?"

It was rare of him to find him at the front of estate, but here he was standing with a serious expression. He only came just in time to see me, when I was about to make for the swordsmith village in need of weapon repair alongside Mitsuri. We both were in need of girls time, and in need of repair seen I've been delaying it for quite some time. Even so, I've been neglecting my health for the most part, as demons kept increasing than decreasing.

"Hayami, may I ask a favor?" He asks me, with a deep voice. "Gathering from the exhaustion by your voice, so I hope you get some rest....?"

Humming softly, "That's right, I'm just about to head to the bridge where the kakushi will carry us or maybe by cart....." I spoke, with a gentle mature tone. "......so this favor? May I inquire what it is about...?"

He sighs heavily, "My young boy.......Genya," mentioning his student's name, my expression softens. "He will be at the sword-smith village, as he's getting his weapon upgraded. I was wondering if you ever meet, I wish for you to speak with him. Lately he's been more down, I can tell by how he speaks.......he's not good with socialising. Rather rude and harsh, but he's never like that around me."

A soft smile curls upon my lips, "Just like Sanemi,