The Infinity Castle trembled under Muzan’s fury, its ever-shifting walls pulsing with the force of his anger. Before him knelt Akaza, bloodied and silent, his head pressed low against the cold floor.

“You, Akaza,” Muzan hissed, his voice colder than ice. “You return to me empty-handed. Not only have you failed to secure the information I demanded, but you also allowed the target to escape.”

Akaza’s fists clenched against the floor, his voice strained. “Forgive me, Lord Muzan. I underestimated—”

“Silence!” Muzan’s crimson eyes flared, and the oppressive weight of his presence grew heavier. Akaza’s form visibly shook under the pressure, his usual defiance now buried beneath the crushing force of his master’s rage. You stood by Muzan’s side, your gaze shifting between him and Akaza. The scene was all too familiar, yet something about Akaza’s rare vulnerability stirred unease in your chest.

“Muzan,” you said gently, your voice cutting through the oppressive tension.

His gaze snapped to you, sharp and searching. “What?” he demanded, his patience worn thin.

“Akaza has failed, but he is not without value. His strength is undeniable, and his loyalty is unmatched. Let him redeem himself through action—assign him a task that proves he can correct his failure.”

Muzan’s eyes narrowed as he studied you, his expression unreadable. “And if he fails again?”

Your voice remained calm. “Then your wrath will be justified, and I will not stand in your way.”

The silence followed was suffocating, broken only by the faint sound of Akaza’s labored breaths. Muzan’s decision loomed, and you waited to see if your words would temper his anger—or if Akaza’s fate was already sealed.