Later, Demon Slayer HQ — Small briefing room, after a quick rundown
Kratos leaned back, processing everything.
"So, let me get this straight," he said slowly. "You've got demons showing up after the Slayer appeared here. Like... his arrival shook something loose?"
Giyu nodded. "Yeah. The demons from Hell started pouring in soon after he showed up. It's like his presence tore open the walls between worlds."
Kratos frowned. "So... he left wherever he was supposed to be, and in doing that, opened the door for all this chaos?"
Sanemi shrugged. "That's what it looks like. No one's sure how or why, but the timing lines up."
Atreus frowned beside him. "And the demons? They're eating people alive? Destroying towns?"
Mitsuri's voice dropped. "Outskirts first. Small villages. Then the cities. Innocents being slaughtered. Families torn apart."
Kratos's jaw tightened. A cold feeling crept in. "So this... Slayer guy shows up, then suddenly, all hell breaks loose. What if he's the reason?"
He didn't say it like a question anymore.
Kratos stood, voice low but sharp. "Hey."
The group turned as the Slayer himself walked in, silent as ever.
Kratos pointed. "You. Did you bring this here? Did you leave your place and open this nightmare for this world?"
The room tensed instantly. Atreus stepped forward, hand on Kratos's arm. "Dad, maybe don't—"
Giyu spoke calmly. "Kratos, this isn't the time—"
But the Slayer said nothing.
Just stood there.
Silent.
Kratos's glare hardened. "You're not denying it?"
Still no answer.
Mitsuri bit her lip, trying to stay calm.
Sanemi growled, "Great. He's playing the strong, silent type again. That doesn't help."
Kratos took a step closer. "You don't get to just stand there and say nothing while people die."
Atreus shook his head. "Dad, please."
The Slayer's silence stretched.
Kratos's eyes burned with suspicion and anger. "If you're innocent, say something."
Still nothing.
The room felt heavy.
Kratos finally spat, "Fine. If you won't talk, then maybe you are the problem."
Atreus tugged his sleeve. "Dad, come on."
Kratos took a breath, but the cold feeling didn't leave.