Demon Slayer: The Great Swordsman's System, Disciple of Yoriichi

With an icy gaze, Yoriichi spoke to Muzan. "What do you think life is?"

Muzan didn't answer. He just kept trying to place his nearly severed head back on his neck, as if hoping it would heal. Looking at Muzan, then at the Crimson Blade in his hand, Yoriichi understood something. His blade, even against the Demon Progenitor, still possessed terrifying killing power. After several failed attempts, Muzan gave up trying to reattach his head. His eyes were fixed on Yoriichi, the fury within them looking as if it would burn him to ashes. His pale face was now red and black with rage, twisted into an ugly grimace. His teeth were clenched so tightly they ground against each other.

Seeing Muzan in this state, Tamayo had no intention of helping. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes wide, watching his every move. Her once-sorrowful face was now filled with excitement, and a light called hope shone in her eyes.

Suddenly, Si Shu's voice broke the silence. "Master, a creature like this will never understand the true meaning of life."

Yoriichi nodded, understanding his student's meaning. As Si Shu said, he could also sense that his words were not reaching Muzan's heart. In that case, let him contemplate the question in hell.

He raised his Nichirin Blade, a glint of killing intent in his eyes. However, the moment before the blade swung down, Muzan moved. With a cracking sound from his clenched teeth, his body suddenly exploded, splitting into countless pieces of flesh.

Not good! Si Shu's heart pounded. He never thought Muzan would still be able to use this move. He drew his sword and, together with Yoriichi, slashed at the 1,800 pieces of flesh that made up the shattered Muzan. Between the two of them, they managed to destroy over 1,500 pieces. The remaining fragments were too small, barely the size of a head when put together. But regardless, Muzan had successfully escaped.

Yoriichi stood there in a daze, as if stunned. He couldn't understand how, when he was just one step away, he had still let Muzan get away.

While Yoriichi was stunned, Tamayo collapsed to her knees, unable to accept Muzan's escape. A sound that was both a cry and a wail escaped her lips, and large tears fell endlessly from her beautiful eyes. "We were so close, so close! How could you overcome the weakness of your neck?! Muzan Kibutsuji, why won't a filthy man like you just die?!"

In her grief and anger, the overwhelmed Tamayo pulled the hairpin from her hair and fiercely stabbed it into her own neck. Yoriichi saw it, but it was too late to stop her.

Smack!

Just then, a small but strong hand grabbed her wrist, stopping her suicide attempt.

"You should know that as a demon, this alone won't kill you," Si Shu said. "Besides, aren't you curious why you're still alive after saying his name?"

Hearing this, Tamayo calmed down. That's right... why am I not dead?

"It's likely because Muzan was so grievously wounded that he's too weak to control you anymore," Si Shu said, pulling her up from the ground. After calming down, a look of despair once again clouded Tamayo's face.

"What does it matter? If we can't kill Muzan, everything is meaningless."

"No," Yoriichi's voice came, faint but carrying an unshakable conviction. "I will find him, and I will kill him."

"You are only a human. How can you find Muzan? From what I know of him, after this incident, he likely won't appear again before you die," Tamayo said, revealing more about the Demon Progenitor to Yoriichi and Si Shu.

After listening, Yoriichi stood there, a look of guilt on his face. If what Tamayo said was true, then that had been the best chance to kill Muzan. But he had let that chance slip away.

"In that case, Lady Tamayo, would you be willing to assist us in defeating Muzan?" Si Shu asked, extending a hand to her. "Why dwell on what's past? What's to say we cannot accomplish it in the future?"

Hearing Si Shu's words, Tamayo was slightly taken aback, hesitating. But after a moment's thought, she nodded. Since these two Demon Slayers trusted her so much, she was willing to contribute her strength to defeating Muzan. Seeing her agree, Si Shu smiled slightly.

"My master and I will make this our lifelong mission."

"No," Yoriichi's voice suddenly interjected, carrying a sense of farewell. "After this, you and I will search for Muzan's whereabouts separately."

Si Shu glanced at Yoriichi and understood his meaning. Yoriichi was worried about the after-effects of the Mark. He was only a few months away from his twenty-fifth birthday; he likely thought his own life was about to end.

"After I die, the task of defeating Muzan will fall on your shoulders," Yoriichi said, looking at his disciple and gently patting his head a few times. Si Shu knew this would likely be the last time his master would do so. He was about to say something, but the sound of commotion came from the far end of the bamboo forest. It was obvious who would be arriving at this time.

After exchanging a look with Yoriichi, Si Shu pointed to a small path behind them. "You should leave through there. We'll meet again if fate allows."

Tamayo froze for a moment, then quickly understood. Her identity as a demon was too sensitive; staying with them would only hinder them. Parting here was the best choice for everyone. With a slight bow, she jogged away. Not long after she left, a dozen figures rushed over from the other end of the path.

It was the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, leading the other swordsmen. They quickly stood before Si Shu and Yoriichi. After looking at the severed bamboo and the signs of battle on the ground, the Wind Hashira asked, "There was a battle here? What happened?"

Si Shu was about to make up an excuse, but Yoriichi spoke first. "I encountered the Demon Progenitor, Muzan Kibutsuji, here, but I failed to slay him. There was a pitiful girl with him. After making a promise, I let her go."

Hearing Yoriichi so honestly recount what had happened, Si Shu's expression instantly changed. Just as he thought, after hearing the story, the faces of the Demon Slayers all turned grim. Several of them looked at Si Shu and Yoriichi with hostility.

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