Night had fallen.The skies stretched dark above the Hidden Estate, where stars blinked like watchful eyes. The air was cool, still humming faintly from the day's battles, and the scent of incense mixed with fire-roasted meats drifted through the main hall.
Inside, a lavishly long dining table dominated the room, lined with silk cushions and polished black lacquer. Light from hanging paper lanterns flickered gently across the faces seated there — Hashira on one side, Upper Moons on the other, and Kagaya at the head.
Beside Kagaya, in stark silence, sat Muzan Kibutsuji, regal and unreadable as always.
This room was filled with killers — ones of justice, and ones of instinct.
Kakushi moved in rhythm, placing steaming bowls of rice, meat, grilled fish, and sake cups. The table was fit for nobles, but tension could still be cut with a blade.
The Hashira's Side
Tengen Uzui (grinning):"Now this is what I call a flamboyant feast."
Mitsuri Kanroji (clapping):"I helped make the sweet dango! I hope everyone likes them~"
Muichiro Tokito (quietly observing):"The pickles are too salty. But I like the texture."
Obanai Iguro (arms crossed):"Can't believe we're sitting this close to demons."
Sanemi Shinazugawa (gritting his teeth):"Tch. One wrong move from them, I'll gut them on the floor."
Gyomei Himejima (praying):"Even devils must eat. Tonight, let hatred be set aside."
Shinobu Kocho (smiling with concealed poison):"I'm just glad I didn't have to make the medicine taste good."
Giyu Tomioka (softly):"This is… peaceful. Almost strange."
Kagaya (serene):"The eye of the storm is often silent. Be grateful for the quiet."
The Upper Ranks' Side
Kokushibo (low, watching Muichiro closely):"Boy. What is your name?"
Muichiro (calmly, sipping soup):"Muichiro Tokito."
Kokushibo (eyes narrowing):"Tokito… Your ancestry?"
Muichiro (glancing up):"My family name goes back to the Tsugikuni bloodline. I think… my ancestor was named Michikatsu."
Silence.
Kokushibo's six eyes widened slightly. His hand stiffened on his cup.
Kokushibo (a quiet, choked breath):"...Michikatsu was me."
A stillness passed.
Akaza (raising an eyebrow):"Wait… the kid is your great-great-grand-brat?"
Muichiro (blinking):"I see. So I'm… your descendant."
Kokushibo (quietly):"Yes. I see it now... even your breathing. You carry my blood."
Tengen (smirking):"Now that's a plot twist."
Shinobu (teasing):"Imagine fighting your own great-grand-son."
Kokushibo gave a dry, almost ghost-like laugh.
Kokushibo:"Then perhaps blood means nothing in the end."
More Banter
Doma (grinning, head resting in his palm):"Oh, the drama~ It's like a family reunion, but with blades and trauma!"
Kaigaku (to Sanemi):"Bet you're hating this more than we are."
Sanemi (growling):"Keep running your mouth and I'll serve your tongue on a plate."
Akaza (to Giyu):"You don't talk much."
Giyu (shrugging):"I don't fight for fun."
Muzan (coldly, sipping):"This cooperation is temporary. But useful. If we win… I will no longer need shade."
Kagaya:"Then let this night strengthen the bonds we need."
The Slayer Appears
The wooden doors creaked.Everyone stopped.
A low hum echoed — metal against stone. Footsteps like thunder.
The Slayer entered.
Green armor gleaming. Shield Saw mounted. Shotgun locked on his back. Visor down.
He said nothing.
Tengen (grinning):"The man of the hour."
Doma (murmuring to Akaza):"Even Muzan tensed up when he walked in. Did you see that?"
Akaza (nodding):"That thing's pure wrath."
The Slayer did not sit. He nodded to Kagaya once, then stood at the edge of the room — like a living weapon guarding them all.
Kagaya (gently):"Even weapons need rest. Sit if you wish, Slayer."
But the Slayer remained still.