Akira stayed a number of days with the Ubuyashikis before she decided it was time to go on her merry way.

As she prepared to leave, Amane gave her a tight hug, her eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thank you for coming to visit us, Akira. It means so much to us." She said, her voice full of emotion. "We are always here for you, no matter what." She added, her words sincere and heartfelt.

She hugged them one last time before she left. As sad as she was to leave them she did feel excited at the thought that she would get to see Kokushibo again.

As Akira walked down the path away from the Ubuyashiki estate, she felt a flutter of anticipation in her chest. She could not wait to see Kokushibo again, to feel his strong arms around her and hear his soft voice in her ear. The thought of being with him again made her heart race, and she quickened her pace, eager to reach her destination.

She wished she had known where to find him but then again he had promised to find her as soon as she came back.

The thought of him searching for her made her feel a sense of security and comfort, as if she were not alone in the world. She knew that wherever she went, he would be there, watching over her. It was a strange and unexpected feeling, but it was one she treasured. It was a feeling of being protected, of being loved. And she knew that no matter what happened, he would always be by her side.

Kokushibo sensed her the moment she was detectable. He felt a rush of relief wash over him as he detected her presence. He had been waiting for her to return, eager to see her again. He closed his eyes, focusing his senses on her, following her trail like a beacon in the night. And as he drew closer to her, he felt a smile tug at his lips, a smile that only she could bring out of him.

As he closed in on her location, the sudden twang of a Biwa sounded and before he knew it, he found himself in the infinity castle.

He looked around, taking in the familiar surroundings of his master's domain. He felt the pull of Muzan's presence, a powerful and seductive force that drew him ever closer. He knew that he could not resist the call of his master, and so he walked deeper into the castle, his footsteps echoing in the silence.

He had to admit, a part of him was disappointed that Akira was not here with him. He had longed for her presence, for the sound of her voice, for the warmth of her embrace. But he knew that he must be patient, that he must wait for the right moment to see her again. And so he continued on, his mind filled with thoughts of her, his heart yearning for her.

The demon progenitor looked down at his subordinate as Kokushibo bowed before him. Muzan had been watching him and he had to admit he was quite impressed that his Upper Rank One wasn't bothered by how he had been summoned as he had been on his way to see his little Akira.

"I must say, Kokushibo, I am impressed by your composure." Muzan said, his voice smooth and dangerous. "You seem to be quite taken with this slayer, and yet you still came when I called. You have shown remarkable restraint." He said, his eyes fixed on Kokushibo.

"I wonder if you are truly as devoted to me as you claim." He added, his tone challenging.

Kokushibo's eyes widened slightly at the implied threat in his Master's words. He knew responding would trigger his Master's wrath but remaining silent was an even far worse idea.

"I am as devoted to you as ever, my Lord." Kokushibo said, his voice steady and calm. "I only live to serve you and do your bidding. I am your loyal subject, now and always." He added, his voice filled with sincerity.

He dared not meet Muzan's gaze, knowing that it could be a death sentence. But he could not lie to his master, and so he spoke the truth.

"Alright, prove it. Bring her to me." Muzan commanded.

The command took Kokushibo by surprise, and he hesitated for a moment. He knew that going against his master's wishes could be dangerous, but he also knew that bringing Akira to Muzan could mean her death. He did not want to put her in danger, but he also did not want to disobey his master. He was trapped between a rock and a hard place, unsure of what to do.

"What's the matter? I thought you pledged your loyalty to me? Or is this girl of more importance to you. Maybe I should have Upper Rank Two bring her here to me instead."

"No!" The word burst from Kokushibo's lips before he could stop himself.

The thought of Douma anywhere near Akira made him feel a surge of anger and possessiveness, something he had never felt before. The mere thought of him even looking at her filled him with a rage he could not explain. He knew that his reaction would only make things worse, but he could not stop himself.

Muzan grinned wickedly before he retained an emotionless expression. He had him right where he wanted him.

"Good. Now go get her and stop wasting my time."

Kokushibo bowed his head, knowing that he had no choice but to obey. He had to protect Akira, but he also had to keep his place in Muzan's court. He had to tread a fine line, walking the razor's edge between obedience and protection. He hoped that he could find a way to save Akira, but he knew that it would not be easy. He turned and left the room, his mind racing as he tried to come up with a plan.

Coincidentally as Kokushibo left, he came across Douma who appeared to have also been summoned by their Master.

The two Upper Ranks stood facing each other, an uncomfortable tension in the air. Douma's gaze was fixed on Kokushibo, his eyes unreadable.

"It seems we have both been summoned." He said, his voice smooth and calm. "Shall we walk together?" He asked, a false smile on his lips.

Kokushibo knew that Douma's invitation was a trap, but he had no choice but to accept.

"I have to carry out our master's command. You can go on and meet Muzan-sama." Kokushibo said flatly.

"Ah, but I was going to head in the same direction as you." Douma said, his eyes never leaving Kokushibo's face. "After all, we are both loyal servants of our Lord, are we not?" He asked, his tone light and mocking.

Kokushibo did not reply, his jaw clenched tightly. He knew that Douma was goading him, but he refused to take the bait.

"I am quite certain that you haven't seen our lord yet. I know you know better than to keep him waiting." Kokushibo replied, hoping that Douma would take the hint and leave him alone.

Douma smiled at Kokushibo, a smile that sent a chill down the other demon's spine.

"You are a mean one, I'll give you that." He said, his tone almost admiring.

"But I do not appreciate being told what to do." He added, his eyes narrowing. "I will go to see our Lord when I am ready." He said, a defiant note in his voice.

"Are you defying the hierarchy?"

Douma's smile widened, but his eyes remained cold and calculating.

"I am merely asserting my right to make my own choices." He said, his tone nonchalant. "I am a free spirit, after all." He added, his voice light and carefree. "I cannot be bound by anyone or anything." He said, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint.

Kokushibo could feel the tension in the air, like a storm about to break.

"I see." Kokushibo replied, narrowing his eyes in challenge.

He had to do something about this one. There was no way he intended to go to Akira with this vile creature tagging along. He needed to get rid of him, and fast.

"Our Lord has ordered you to go to him. It is best if you obey." He said, his voice was hard and commanding.

He hoped that he could persuade Douma to leave without a fight.

"Oh my, Lord Kokushibo. If I didn't know better I'd think you were trying to get rid of me." Douma said with a giggle.

"You are perceptive, as always." Kokushibo replied, his tone dry and unimpressed. "But I am not trying to get rid of you. I am simply following our Lord's orders." He added, his voice firm.

He kept his expression neutral, not wanting to give Douma any more reason to suspect his motives.

"Hm, very well. I will let you off the hook this time. I'll be going now." Douma said with a giggle.

Kokushibo let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding, relieved that Douma was leaving. But he knew that the other demon would not give up so easily. Douma was like a cat, always playing with his prey before pouncing. He would be back, and Kokushibo knew he would have to be prepared for that.

And now Kokushibo had to go bring Akira to his master as he had been commanded.