Departure time was set for one month later. The plan: hijack that ship transporting personnel and supplies, first interrogate for intelligence, then launch a surprise attack on the island.
Before that, there was much preparatory work. Had to find nearby fishermen as much as possible to ask about the island's terrain—whether anyone had been to that island.
Next was further special training for the twenty selected Corps members.
Though still unclear about the island's situation, we had to make contingency plans for different scenarios.
The only advantage—on an isolated island, demons like us had no retreat. So no worry about them escaping after daybreak.
Tengen counted the corpses at his old home. Combined with information Hinatsuru and the others provided, roughly estimated there might be around twenty to thirty demons on the island.
Muzan's success rate transforming people into demons wasn't too high. Someone had specifically compiled statistics. Reaching this conclusion wasn't difficult.
Among shinobi, there were also strength differences. Tengen used himself as an example. Explained shinobi combat styles and habits to everyone. Selected people to fight him.
"Among my generation, the only expert on par with me is that bastard brother of mine." Tengen said. "Next would be old guys from my father's generation. About four or five. But not necessarily all could become demons."
Kanae didn't draw a lot. Looked extremely worried: "There probably aren't doctors on the island. If injured and can't get emergency treatment, what then?"
I considered for a while. Had Gyutaro learn some first aid techniques from her.
First, he was meticulous. Second, he wasn't afraid of injury. Then he'd have strength to rescue the wounded.
Ume was very impatient learning these things. But she also didn't want to attend Tengen's lectures, huddle together with Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen.
When Gyutaro was studying, she wandered around the Butterfly Estate. Wandering and wandering, ran into Shinobu.
Don't know how she started chatting with Shinobu. Anyway, in the end she ran off to research poisons with Shinobu.
Even obtained a huge stock of poisons Shinobu passionately contributed. Rubbed her palms together eagerly and told me she'd coat her sash with these poisons too. Guaranteed every demon would die the moment they bled.
While they busily made pre-battle preparations, I quietly went out once to find Tamayo.
Because I didn't give her advance notice, she was somewhat surprised seeing me suddenly visit. After I told her about recent events, her brows furrowed.
"That island actually has so many demons?" She knitted her brows. A trace of worry showed on her face. Like Kanae, raised medical issues.
"If treatment isn't timely, I'm afraid many people will die." She asked thoughtfully: "You came to find me—is it for this?"
I nodded. Asked her how far the experiment to turn demons back into humans had progressed.
"Still far from success. If it's people just injected with demon blood, as long as they take medicine, there's a high probability they can turn back into humans."
Tamayo and I had known each other long. Didn't need me to speak too clearly. She'd already guessed my plan.
"You want to dilute your blood and distribute it to them?"
Correct. This was the best method I could think of.
Demon blood was actually highly toxic to humans. If they couldn't become demons, they'd die very painfully.
Probably because I didn't eat people, my blood wasn't so terrifying to humans.
To reach the degree of transforming people into demons, I'd have to give quite a bit of blood.
Before reaching that limit, some demonic characteristics would appear on their bodies. But wouldn't reach the degree of becoming demons.
As long as they took the antidote in time, they could turn back into humans.
Tamayo reminded me: "Even so, the effects I mentioned are still theoretical. After actually turning back into humans, unexpected aftereffects might appear."
I understood. This matter had great risks. I couldn't be certain of the consequences either.
But regardless, I had to provide them more choices.
In demon research, Kanae still wasn't as experienced as Tamayo. She also couldn't make medicine with appropriate dosage.
However, Kagaya originally knew of Tamayo's existence. Presumably he'd also agree.
Following the principle of voluntariness—if anyone was willing, they could take it before landing on the island.
Tamayo lowered her head in thought for a moment. Then said: "Then I'll go with you all too."
"Lady Tamayo!" Yushiro, who'd been playing pillar on the side, suddenly shouted urgently. Face full of disapproval.
"Are you really going to travel with those demon hunters? That's too dangerous! Have you forgotten last time that swordsman who broke in nearly hurt you!"
Ah, that... are you talking about Ritsuka?
But Tamayo looked calm: "That child last time—in the end, didn't she not harm us? Shows there are reasonable people in the Demon Slayer Corps too."
"If human doctors aren't suitable for the island, only I can assist them. This is also something that must be done to weaken Muzan."
Yushiro's expression didn't look convinced. Just that Tamayo had already made up her mind. He had no way to object.
He glared at me fiercely again. Clearly blamed me for bringing such big trouble.
"In that case, of course I must go with you. My Blood Demon Art can also help hide those injured fools."
Fine. His harsh words didn't matter. As long as he was useful.
After settling this matter, I had her collect blood. Started making medicine for temporary demonization.
After agreeing to meet at that port, I set off again to return to the Ubuyashiki estate. Sought Kagaya's opinion.
This time he considered for a longer time. But finally still nodded.
"Then let me explain to the Corps members. Though probably no one will object either."
That was true. After all, everyone held the resolve to die. Wouldn't pass up any chance to increase the odds of victory.
For me, only one last problem remained. After they consumed my blood, they'd inevitably establish a connection with me.
I'd never simultaneously controlled this many demons before. So I had to be even more careful and cautious.
They did their training. I also found Koyuki and Yuichiro for my special training.
One month passed quickly. Before departure, I went to see Kagaya again.
He'd fallen ill again recently. Looked terribly haggard. Still struggled to grasp me with his withered hand. Said softly: "I hope everyone can return safely. Including you as well. Please take care of yourself."
I squeezed his hand. Promised him—whether myself or everyone else, I'd definitely work hard to bring everyone back.
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