Muzan: My daughter can't be that weak!

"Really? Dad?"

Yukina was intently watching the dazzling battle below when she suddenly heard Muzan's voice from above.

Starting tomorrow, she will begin learning to read.

Her little head snapped back to reality, her eyes wide and round, staring up at Muzan with unblinking eyes, filled with surprise.

Learn to recognize characters?!

Is she really going to learn to read?

I'm so happy, so incredibly happy!

In her little head, those incomprehensible ink marks that always lay quietly on books or hung high on signs suddenly came to life, turning into a group of little people dressed in black clothes, huddled together in a line.

Just imagining myself being able to understand them and call out their names makes me incredibly happy.

She couldn't help but cup her cheeks with her two little hands, her little head shaking excitedly as if she could already see herself holding a book, swaying her head and reciting words in a majestic manner.

"Will Daddy teach me?"

Lost in thought, the question slipped out, Yukina's voice filled with anticipation and a touch of coquetry.

If Dad taught you...

Well, although Dad can be a bit fierce sometimes, he's definitely more formidable than anyone else.

Muzan lowered his eyes, glanced at the little face in his arms that had suddenly become sparkling, and said in a flat tone, directly shattering her fantasy: "Of course not."

"what……"

It's not Dad...

It wasn't Dad!

˃̣̣ᯅก

But she quickly rallied, her curiosity taking over.

"Then...who is Yukina's teacher?"

She tilted her head and asked tentatively, a few faces flashing through her mind.

Muzan remained silent, only slightly adjusting the angle of the arm holding her.

Then she turned her gaze to a spot diagonally below, slightly raising her chin to indicate that she should see for herself.

Xue Nai immediately understood and, following his direction, craned her neck and looked down at the platform with the beaded curtain hanging down.

Behind the beaded curtain, that iconic purple haori...

Huh...?

It's that amazing six-eyed uncle who helped her untie the kite string last time!

As if sensing her gaze, Kokushibo, behind the beaded curtain, slightly raised his head at that moment.

From a distance, six calm eyes met her curious gaze.

"Oh! Uncle!"

Caught off guard, Xue Nai instinctively covered her face in embarrassment, like a small animal caught peeking at someone.

But the next second, she felt that it was impolite, so she slowly lowered her hand, grinned at him, and waved her little hand.

Truly... a personality completely different from Muzan-sama's.

Kokushibo was stunned for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded in response.

*

The platform below.

Doma stood there, watching the bone dust that was still slowly falling in the air after the shrine maiden's figure had disappeared, his eyes revealing a childlike sullenness.

really...

In the end, you wouldn't even leave me with that beauty, Miss Shrine Maiden.

Then, he blinked, and glistening tears instantly appeared on his long eyelashes.

Then she raised her sleeve and began to wipe away her tears, her voice choked with sobs, as she looked around at the empty space:

"How...how moving! Miss Shrine Maiden! Even knowing she was no match, she burned herself out and persevered until the very last moment..."

He became more and more engrossed in his speech, even clasping his hands together in front of his chest, looking deeply moved.

From the platform above, Akaza, who had a complete view of everything, had veins throbbing on his forehead and his fists clenched so tightly they cracked.

This lunatic... is at it again!

He could barely contain his urge to rush down.

But then, a thought flashed through my mind.

Now that the priestess has been defeated and Doma has become the new Upper Moon Two, wouldn't I be able to challenge him legitimately?

This idea suddenly made his golden eyes light up, and his boiling killing intent found a clear outlet.

"Doma!" he shouted in a low voice, his voice filled with an eager fighting spirit.

Upon hearing the sound, Doma looked up, his face still streaked with tears, but he quickly switched to a deeply moved and warm smile, waving vigorously at Akaza:

"Lord Akaza! Thank you for your concern! But I'm fine, it's just a minor injury, and you see, it's almost healed~"

He showed the shallow scars on his arm that were healing, his heart filled with warmth and gratitude:

That's so touching!

Akaza-sama is indeed my best friend!

They sent their condolences immediately after the shrine maiden left.

I must repay this kindness with a lifetime of friendship...

Upon hearing this, Akaza's brows furrowed deeply.

What nonsense is this popsicle spouting again? Who cares about him?!

He felt a chill creep up his spine.

but……

Akaza's sharp gaze swept over Doma's still-healing wounds and his slightly disordered breathing.

That bastard just went through a fierce battle and is quite exhausted.

Challenging him now would certainly increase the chances of winning, but it just doesn't feel... satisfying enough, and it feels a bit like taking advantage of someone's vulnerability.

Ugh... What a hassle!

He clicked his tongue in annoyance.

As a martial artist who pursues the ultimate in martial arts, he longs to completely defeat his opponent head-on when they are at their peak.

Taking advantage of a weakness, even if you win, will make the experience less satisfying.

His conflicted emotions shifted between light and shadow on his face, his brows furrowing and relaxing, his fists clenching and loosening, finally culminating in a resentful snort.

Forget it, let this bastard live a little longer. Once he's recovered, I'll kill him fair and square!

However, Akaza's series of rich facial expressions were interpreted in a completely different way by Doma below.

Looking at Akaza's solemn brows, concerned scrutiny, and finally that sigh that seemed to indicate a great decision, Doma was moved to tears once again.

I'm so touched!

Lord Akaza must have seen my injuries and was deeply worried, but he held back from saying it for the sake of my dignity!

The way he made up his mind at the end must have been because he swore in his heart that he would silently protect me!

He cupped his hands around his heart, facing Akaza, and flashed an incredibly bright smile.

Akaza: "..."

My fists felt harder, and I began to doubt my existence as a ghost.