Discount also available Just 5 $ to read maximum number of chapter
Advance chapter in PATREON
patreon.com/Rankco
patreon.com/Rankco
A secluded estate.
Upon arriving, Tamayo finally stopped.
"This place should be safe," Tamayo said, turning to look at Sam Miller.
Sam's eyes shifted to the estate — a manor concealed by layers of illusion. Without standing directly before the entrance, one would never know it existed.
Blood Demon Art...
He murmured softly, admiring the clever use of enchantment that shrouded the area.
"Impressive concealment."
"Alright," Sam nodded, following Tamayo inside.
In the manor's sitting room, Sam and Makomo sat on one side, while Tamayo and Yushiro occupied the other.
From the moment they entered, Yushiro's hostile gaze never left Sam. His scowl was sharp enough to cut.
Yushiro hadn't forgotten Makomo's earlier remark — "That female demon is Sam's favorite!"
For Yushiro, this was unacceptable.
Still, Yushiro knew his limits. Sam's strength was undeniable — challenging him directly would be reckless.
"If you keep staring at Sam like that," Makomo warned, narrowing her eyes, "I'll dig those eyeballs right out."
Yushiro opened his mouth to respond but ultimately said nothing, merely grunting in frustration.
At that moment, Tamayo placed a tray of tea on the table, carefully handing Sam a cup.
As Sam reached for the tea, Makomo grabbed his wrist.
"Be careful... it could be poisoned," she warned.
"It's fine," Sam reassured her.
Even if it were poisoned, ordinary toxins meant little to demons. Only a specially crafted wisteria flower poison, like the one Shinobu Kochou would later develop, could pose a real threat.
Sam took a sip. The rich fragrance filled his lungs, lingering pleasantly.
"Good tea," Sam said with a faint smile. "And skillfully brewed."
"You're too kind," Tamayo replied softly.
Sam was about to continue speaking when his expression suddenly changed.
His body tensed.
"What's wrong?" Makomo asked, frowning.
"...Nothing," Sam muttered.
He knew what had happened — his clone had been destroyed.
Kibutsuji Muzan...
The thought crossed his mind, and he clenched his fist slightly.
"You don't seem to have any intention of harming us," Tamayo said curiously, her calm gaze fixed on Sam.
"Does that surprise you?" Sam asked.
"Yes," Tamayo admitted. "When you killed those other demons, you were... decisive. Ruthless. But now, you've spared us. Why?"
Makomo turned her head as well, curious herself.
Why had Sam stopped?
Until now, he'd shown no hesitation in killing any demon they encountered.
"I'm only hostile toward demons who've fully lost themselves and devour humans," Sam said flatly.
"You two... you don't eat people, do you?"
He turned his gaze to Tamayo and Yushiro.
Tamayo's expression softened with surprise.
How did he know...?
She had never encountered a demon that understood this — yet Sam knew without her saying a word.
"I'm impressed you know that," Tamayo said. "But... I assume that's not the only reason you've spared us."
"You're right," Sam replied calmly. "I need your help."
Tamayo frowned slightly. "I'm afraid my strength is limited... I doubt I can be of much help."
Her voice was soft, but her doubt was clear.
If she had been strong enough, Yahaba and Susamaru wouldn't have driven her to flee earlier.
"I'm not interested in your strength," Sam replied. "Your medical skills are what I need."
Tamayo's eyes widened slightly.
"My medical skills?"
"Yes," Sam nodded.
"And what exactly do you want my help with?" Tamayo asked cautiously.
"To destroy Kibutsuji Muzan," Sam said firmly.
His voice was calm — yet resolute.
The room fell silent.
Hearing his words, Tamayo's body trembled slightly.
Destroy Muzan...
No one knew Muzan's strength better than she did.
As Muzan's former physician and attendant, Tamayo had witnessed his overwhelming power firsthand.
To her, Muzan seemed... invincible.
Even the most powerful Demon Slayers — even Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira — stood no chance against him.
Not long ago, Tamayo believed that only one man had ever truly threatened Muzan — the legendary swordsman Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who had nearly killed him with the Breath of the Sun.
But Yoriichi was long gone.
"...You can't be serious," Tamayo muttered, shaking her head. "With your current strength... you wouldn't stand a chance against Muzan."
Despite Sam's earlier display of power, Tamayo knew the truth — Yahaba and Susamaru were nothing compared to Muzan.
Even if all the Hashira combined their strength, Muzan would likely overwhelm them with ease.
Victory would require a miracle... or an incredible sacrifice.
"If you hope to kill Muzan," Tamayo said grimly, "you'll need to drag him into the sunlight... and that's nearly impossible."
Muzan was no fool. His paranoia had kept him alive for centuries.
"You're right," Sam admitted. "I'm not strong enough to defeat Muzan yet."
Makomo's eyes widened.
It wasn't like Sam to admit weakness so easily.
"But that's not how the story ends," Sam continued, his voice calm yet unwavering.
"Today... I can't beat him. But tomorrow... I'll be stronger than I am today."
His golden eyes locked onto Tamayo's.
"And the day after that... stronger still."
Confidence radiated from him, filling the room.
For a brief moment, Tamayo found herself reminded of that man from long ago — the swordsman who could deliver 1,500 strikes in a single breath.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni...
"...Was that just my imagination?" Tamayo whispered to herself.
Yet somehow... she believed Sam's words.5