Crossover: The Problematic Deity of Arcadia

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At that moment, Tengen Uzui, standing off to the side, didn't look too pleased.

"Hey, Giyu, what's that supposed to mean?"

"Mr. Ryo's intel on the Upper Kizuki already far surpasses what we've managed to gather over the years. Why are you nitpicking so much?"

He didn't say it outright, but Tengen's sharp glance clearly screamed: "Don't be ungrateful, brat."

To him, Giyu Tomioka was just making trouble for no reason.

Giyu fell silent for a moment before speaking calmly: "No, I just wanted to ask—did something happen with the Lower Kizuki?"

That caught everyone off guard—including Kanae, who raised her brows in surprise.

If she didn't know for a fact that there's no way Giyu could've been there, she'd almost think he'd personally witnessed what happened in the Infinity Castle.

"Huh. Not bad, Giyu. Here I thought you were just a cold jerk with no social skills. Turns out you're actually pretty sharp."

With a slight smile playing at her lips, Kanae spoke up. "You're right. There was an issue with the Lower Kizuki."

All eyes instantly turned to her.

Facing her fellow Hashira's gazes, Kanae hesitated for only a moment before she said:

"Thanks to Mr. Ryo's help, I infiltrated the demons' stronghold—Infinity Castle—by pretending to be a spy within the Demon Slayer Corps."

Gasps rippled through the group, quickly replaced by awe and respect.

To pass as a demon ally and get invited into Infinity Castle? That was beyond bold—it was unheard of. They were more used to storming enemy territory with swords drawn, not being welcomed in.

Their gazes instinctively turned to Ryo, who simply smiled and said nothing.

Only someone as ridiculously capable as him could've pulled this off without Kanae getting killed five steps in.

Once everyone had digested the news, Kanae dropped another bombshell: "Once I gained the Demon King's trust—again, with Ryo's help—I managed to make him suspicious of the Lower Kizuki."

She wasn't lying. She did earn Muzan's trust. The guy even liked to keep her in his arms like a favorite pet—how is that not trust?

And as for Ryo wiping out the Lower Kizuki? That started because one of those idiots made an offhand comment that insulted her.

In a twisted way, her version of the story was technically true.

Kanae mentally stuck her tongue out. She knew she was withholding a lot of the truth about what really happened in Infinity Castle. But honestly? It was better this way.

If the Corps found out the whole story, they might see Ryo as a threat. So she kept her mouth shut without hesitation.

Yes, it was deception. She knew that full well. But if the end result was the downfall of Muzan and his demons, then being a liar was a price she was more than willing to pay.

Meanwhile, Kagaya Ubuyashiki had already picked up on her implications.

"I see. That makes sense," he said with a nod. "Kibutsuji Muzan may be the origin of all demons, but his heart is cold. If he even suspects betrayal, he'll kill without hesitation."

"So the Lower Kizuki ... they're all dead, aren't they?"

Hearing that, the Hashira—normally the most composed members of the Corps—suddenly looked like they were struggling not to burst out laughing.

Sanemi Shinazugawa couldn't hold it in. Tears streamed down his face as he clutched his stomach, howling with laughter.

"Pfft—hahahaha! Oh man, Muzan actually wiped out half of his own crew?! That guy's a freakin genius!"

Gyomei Himejima, hands clasped in prayer, had joyful tears in his blind eyes. "Amitabha… evil truly devours itself."

"Honestly… with moves like this, maybe our strongest ally is Muzan himself," he added with deadpan sincerity.

"I know it's gross to say," murmured Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, "but this little 'team-up' with Muzan? I gotta admit, it feels kinda... satisfying. Why is that?"

"Because it's hilarious..." Kyojuro Rengoku chuckled.

Tengen stroked his chin thoughtfully. "With the Lower Kizuki dead and the Upper Kizuki's intel fully in our hands… Lord Ubuyashiki, this could be the best opportunity we've ever had."

Ubuyashiki nodded slowly. "I agree completely."

"Then... is it time?" Gyomei asked softly, hands still together in prayer. "The final assault on the demons?"

Tengen blinked, a mix of excitement and disbelief on his face. "So we're finally going to stop this endless cycle of killing and being killed?"

"It's time for the final battle," Kyojuro said with firm resolve. "We can't delay any longer."

Just then, Ubuyashiki coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention.

"Yes, the final battle is indeed coming. Cough, cough... But there's something else. The demons are gathering in Edo—it's not just a rumor."

He paused and let out a long breath.

"This fight may be the largest in Demon Slayer Corps history." His voice was calm, but what followed was somber.

"And... I'm no longer fit to lead such a battle."

Kanae immediately stepped forward. "Please don't say that, Lord Ubuyashiki. We still need your wisdom."

She jumped in at just the right moment—but Ubuyashiki gave her a curious look.

Why did it sound like she was a little too eager for him to step down?

Sure, they had long agreed that Ryo might one day take over—but was Kanae more excited about it than he was?

Maybe she was just worried about his health, Ubuyashiki thought, choosing to see her in the best possible light. Parents trust their children, after all.

Gyomei bowed his head.

"Lord Ubuyashiki, please don't sell yourself short. We all see how much you've done for us."

But Ubuyashiki simply shook his head.

"I know my limits. I can still help with logistics, but I can no longer command the battlefield."

With that, he turned to Ryo.

"Ryo Yagami, what do you think of my... rather forward proposal?"

"Forward proposal?" The other Hashira glanced at each other, puzzled.

Giyu Tomioka frowned. "Are you suggesting that Ryo take over as our leader?"

Kanae's heart skipped a beat, but she managed to keep a straight face.

The other Hashira looked uncomfortable, exchanging wary glances.

Oddly enough, it was Sanemi, of all people, who broke the silence.

"If Mr. Ryo's taking command, I've got no problem with that."

"Huh?" Obanai scowled. "What are you saying, Sanemi?"

"What do you think I'm saying?" Sanemi snapped back. "Lord Ubuyashiki can barely move. You want him to run a war too?"

"I didn't mean it like that, I just..." Obanai couldn't quite find the words, so he trailed off.

What was he supposed to say? That he didn't trust Ryo? That he feared he might try to seize power?

But this was Ubuyashiki's idea.

"So Ryo's going to be the commander-in-chief for the final battle?" Kyojuro said casually. "Sounds fine to me."

He'd met Ryo. Anyone who'd go out of their way to help a sick charcoal seller without asking for anything in return wasn't someone he could see as a villain.

Tengen nodded thoughtfully.

"I've got no objection either. Frankly, Ryo's intelligence network is essential for this operation."

Gyomei sighed and clasped his hands again.

"Amitabha. I'll defer to Lord Ubuyashiki's will."

Ubuyashiki smiled and turned to Ryo. "Then I'll leave this in your hands."

Ryo raised an eyebrow and swept his gaze over the group.

Kanae shifted her stance—and suddenly, with graceful determination, knelt down on one knee before him.

The others, seeing her gesture, quickly followed suit—kneeling in unison as they spoke with one voice:

"Greetings, Lord Yagami!"

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