Clutching her shoulder in pain, Akira slowly stood up from the ground. She turned around to try and assess what was going on only to freeze at the sight before her.

"What?" She whispered in shock, her voice barely coming out.

Tsunahisa was fighting but he was fighting Kokushibo.

"You - how are you alive?!" She heard him say.

"K - Koku-san?"

She did a double take, unable to accept what she was seeing. Surely there was no way the man who had claimed to care so much about her - to protect her even - had just tried to kill her.

What was going on? No... There was no way this was happening. There had to be an explanation. It just wasn't possible.

As she stood there still in shock, Tsunahisa turned momentarily with a sharp look to her.

"What are you doing?! Run!" He told her in a harsh and yet pleading tone.

Everything seemed to be in slow motion as she looked from his concerned expression to Kokushibo's cold unforgiving gaze. She couldn't help but notice how his look grew even darker when Tsunahisa addressed her.

Was it something he had said? Something she has done? It all felt so surreal and even as her mind told her to run, she remained frozen in shock and denial watching them fight in front of her.

Was this a dream? This had to be a dream. There was no way it was real.

🌙🌙🌙

Meanwhile, Muzan sat plotting. He had promised himself he would get Akira alone and he meant it. He had Nakime summon his other Upper Rank, Upper Rank Two to him.

"My Lord." Douma said as he appeared in front of Muzan, his face as blank and unreadable as ever. "What is it that you require of me?" He asked, his voice polite and deferential.

Muzan studied him for a moment, assessing him.

"I need your help." He said, his words were slow and deliberate. "There is someone that I wish to possess, and I believe you can be of use in that endeavor." He added, his eyes narrowing.

Muzan knew asking Douma was like using a wild card but he would have to have faith that his Upper Rank would not mess up the task.

Douma's eyes flashed with interest, and he inclined his head in a subtle nod.

"I would be more than happy to assist you in any way that I can." He said, his voice smooth and slick. "Please, tell me what you require of me." He added, his tone eager and willing.

Muzan smirked, pleased by Douma's willingness to cooperate. He knew that he could always count on Douma's greed and ambition to motivate him.

"The woman I told you about. I want to bring her to me." Muzan instructed. "But take caution. You may face resistance from Upper Rank One."

Douma's expression remained impassive, his lips twisting spread out in a grin.

"Lord Kokushibo is always getting in the way of my fun." He muttered under his breath, barely audible.

He knew that Kokushibo was protective of Akira, and he would likely not take kindly to his interference. But he was not one to back down from a challenge, and he was not about to start now.

"I will do as you ask, my Lord." He said, his eyes glinting with determination.

"Don't get cocky with me!" Muzan scolded him. "And don't you dare harm her!"

Douma's expression turned sheepish, as if he had been caught doing something naughty.

"I would never harm someone under your protection, my Lord." He said, his voice filled with feigned innocence. "But I must admit, I am rather curious about this woman who has captured your attention. What is it about her that intrigues you so?" He asked, a sly smile on his lips.

"Get lost." Muzan said in annoyance as he turned back to what he had been doing.

Douma's smile faltered for a moment, before he quickly regained his composure.

"As you wish, my Lord." He said, bowing his head in deference.

He knew that he had pushed his luck too far, and that it was best to leave Muzan in peace.

"I will go, and carry out the mission." He said, before disappearing as quickly as he had come.

Muzan could not help but wonder if he had made a mistake in sending Douma, of all his demons to bring Akira to him. He would have loved to send Akaza but he would not risk having his most loyal and serious Upper moon go against Kokushibo.

He knew that Akaza would be the best candidate for the task, but he was loath to risk losing his most loyal servant. And so, he had chosen the next best option, even if it was a gamble. Douma was impulsive and unpredictable, but he was also intelligent and cunning. Muzan had to hope that those qualities would be enough to get the job done.

On the other hand, Douma was ecstatic about the mission. Finally he would get to meet the mysterious woman that had been causing quite the drama with his superiors.

Douma knew that this could be his chance to prove himself to Muzan, to show him that he was worthy of his trust and respect. He had to make sure that this mission was a success, that he would bring Akira to Muzan and gain his praise. But there was also another reason he was so eager for this opportunity. He was intrigued by Akira, and he wanted to meet her for himself.

"Oh I wonder what kind of beauty she must be?" He thought gleefully.

Douma imagined what she must look like, picturing a delicate flower, a fragile and beautiful creature. But he also knew that looks could be deceiving, and that Akira must be more than just a pretty face.

"I wonder what secrets she must hold?" He mused, his curiosity growing with each passing moment. "She must be a true enigma." He concluded, already intrigued by the challenge she presented.