Chapter 27: Chapter 027 ⤞ Intelligence and Trade
Take this with a grain of salt — only a fool would believe it outright. No one took Adam's words at face value, assuming it was just his (humble?) way of speaking.
"Ahem, well then, Suoh-kun, how should we thank you for helping the Demon Slayer Corps so much?"
"I mentioned before that I want to learn the Sun Breathing technique." Adam paused, then added, "But not just Sun Breathing — I want to learn all the existing breathing techniques!"
Hearing this, Kagaya frowned slightly, "This..."
It wasn't that he was unwilling; he simply couldn't make the decision alone.
If it were just the five basic breathing techniques, it wouldn't be an issue. However, some special derivative techniques were off-limits. These were private to the Pillar-level members, and he couldn't make arbitrary decisions about them.
For a moment, Kagaya found himself in a dilemma.
Adam, sensing potential rejection, quickly said, "Don't be hasty to refuse. I can sweeten the deal."
He had leverage to sway those Pillar-level members.
"Sweeten the deal?"
"Information!" Adam said confidently, "I can tell you about Muzan Kibutsuji, and not only that — I'll throw in information and locations of two Upper Moons. How about that?"
Talk about dropping a bombshell! Everyone's jaws hit the floor.
"News about Muzan Kibutsuji? Is it true?"
"Quick, tell the magnificent me!"
"If you share this information, you'll be our ally!"
"Speak, speak quickly!"
Sanemi, even more agitated, rushed forward and roared, "Whether it's the Sun Breathing or my Wind Breathing, take it if you want! Just tell me about Muzan Kibutsuji — I must kill him with my own hands!"
His words resonated deeply with all the Pillars.
One might wonder, 'Who among those present doesn't harbor a grudge against Muzan Kibutsuji? Who doesn't yearn to end him personally?'
Well, there was one exception. The Love Pillar, Mitsuri, had joined the Demon Slayer Corps solely to find a husband stronger than herself. But even that wasn't an issue — if Kagaya gave the word, she'd undoubtedly comply.
Adam couldn't help but grin at everyone's reactions. He was thrilled with how things were unfolding.
Mission accomplished! Everything was falling into place exactly as he'd anticipated.
The Pillars were chomping at the bit, ready to exact their vengeance on Muzan. If they could obtain information about him and bring him to justice personally, they'd pay any price!
Their fervor was understandable.
For a millennium, they hadn't caught so much as a glimpse of him. Now that Adam claimed to have concrete information, how could they remain calm? The atmosphere among the Pillars was electric — even more charged than when they'd discovered the Sun Breathing technique!
Observing the Pillars' excitement, Kagaya knew he couldn't dampen their spirits. With a wry smile, he conceded, "It seems we have no choice but to agree."
Although he could use his long-accumulated prestige to prevent the Pillars from trading with Adam, doing so would disappoint them — something he wanted to avoid. Moreover, he was inclined to make the exchange himself but struggled with how to broach the subject. This was the crux of his dilemma.
If he weren't conflicted, couldn't he simply refuse outright? For the sake of his long-cherished wish, he was willing to pay the price.
The Pillars' hatred for Muzan ran so deep that they were willing to exchange even their own breathing techniques with Adam. This provided Kagaya with a solution.
"I must say, Suoh-kun, you possess quite an extensive knowledge of secrets."
Adam chuckled, pinching his thumb and index finger together to show a tiny gap, "Just a smidgen, really. A mere smidgen."
"Suoh-san..." This time, even the usually oblivious Tanjiro was at a loss for words. Adam was truly exasperating.
Nevertheless, Kagaya, representing the Demon Slayer Corps and the Pillars, agreed to his trade request.
"However, I have a question." Kagaya said, "The Sun Breathing is the origin of all breathing techniques, so why do you want to learn the others as well? Knowing too many techniques might lead to a lack of focus and hinder you instead. I hope you understand this principle, Suoh-kun."
"'Jack of all trades, master of none'... is that it?" Adam smiled slightly, "I'm simply looking for the breathing technique that suits me best. As they say, the strongest isn't always the most suitable, but the most suitable is relatively the strongest. Do you understand my meaning, Ubuyashiki family head?"
"I see. Thank you for the lesson." After all, Kagaya was the heir of a great family. A moment's reflection was all he needed to grasp his reasoning.
"Of course, this applies to all of you as well!" Adam called out to the Pillars below, "The Sun Breathing is indeed powerful, but it's not necessarily suitable for everyone. It's because... well, never mind. That's not your primary concern right now."
Though he was tempted to flaunt his knowledge further, he noticed that everyone present, including Tanjiro, had their minds elsewhere. They fixed him with intense gazes, eager to hear news about Muzan.
"Well then, let me tell you what you're most anxious to know." After collecting his thoughts, Adam began slowly, "Muzan Kibutsuji is the progenitor of demons. I assume you're already aware of how he became an evil demon, so I'll focus on his abilities."
"First, any information about his appearance is unreliable. He can alter his form at will — male, female, adult, or child. His true form remains unknown, and his appearance is never fixed. However, Tanjiro's keen nose can detect his scent. Naturally, with this shape-shifting ability, Muzan's primary combat skill relies on body transformation. This point is crucial — you must keep it in mind!"
"Secondly, as the demon progenitor, Muzan wields absolute control over his kind. He can manipulate the life and death of any demon from vast distances, impose restrictions on them, and perceive their thoughts. He can even witness the final moments of other demons through their eyes."
"And the most critical point... Muzan Kibutsuji's body structure differs vastly from humans, possessing 5 brains and 7 hearts. Moreover, he's transcended his limits — even decapitation by a Nichirin blade won't kill him! In other words, only sunlight can end his existence!"
Adam then elaborated on Muzan's three primary abilities: Flesh Manipulation, Demon Manipulation, and Biokinesis, ensuring they grasped every detail.
His words, however, cast a pall over the room, instantly dispelling any notion of underestimating him.
"Are you saying that even with Sun Breathing, we can't kill Muzan Kibutsuji?"
"Tch!"
"Damn it!"
The Sun Breathing technique they had coveted was within reach, and they had believed it would be their silver bullet against Muzan. The realization that it wouldn't have the effect they'd imagined left them crestfallen.
"Don't lose heart." Adam interjected, his words lifting them from their despair, "While Sun Breathing alone can't kill him, it can inflict tremendous damage. Its properties, akin to sunlight, can disrupt his regeneration and suppress his abilities. Once we break his regeneration, what's left to fear? We can wear him down until he falls!"
"I see." Came a collective murmur of understanding.
The Pillars exhaled in relief. No one wanted their years of dedication to be for naught.
"Now, let's discuss two Upper Moon demons: Upper Moon Two, Doma, and Upper Moon Six, Daki." Adam continued, "Upper Moon demons are typically elusive and untraceable. However, these two frequently mingle in human society, making them easier to locate."
"Doma, Upper Moon Two, currently leads the Eternal Paradise cult, boasting about 250 members. Daki, Upper Moon Six, poses as an oiran in the Yoshiwara district under the alias Warabihime. As for their abilities..." Adam proceeded to detail the appearances and powers of Doma and Daki. He concluded, "For more specific information about them, you'll need to conduct your own investigations."
He refrained from elaborating further, confident that the Demon Slayer Corps would verify his information independently. He saw no need to belabor the point.
As the observant Adam surveyed the room, he noticed Shinobu's reaction to the news about Doma. Her breathing quickened, and her jade-like hand, hidden at her side, clenched so tightly that blue veins became visible.
Kagaya bowed to Adam, his demeanor genuinely gracious, "Thank you, Suoh-kun."
"Not at all." Adam replied, stepping forward to assist him, "We each got what we needed."
Kagaya then turned to Shinobu, "Shinobu, please escort Suoh-kun to the Butterfly Estate for rest."
"Yes, Master." She responded.
Addressing Adam once more, Kagaya said, "Suoh-kun, we'll discuss the breathing techniques in detail tomorrow. For now, I need to make some arrangements."
"Of course." Adam agreed.
With that, he departed with Shinobu.
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