Chapter 44: The Demons’ Despair and Muzan’s Fury
The dust had barely settled when Saitama glanced around, bored once again. Doma's head had fully disintegrated, and Akaza was half-buried in the rubble of the distant mountains. The remaining Upper Moons, Kokushibo and Hantengu, stood frozen — not out of strategy, but out of raw fear.
The Hashira were silent too, still processing what they had witnessed.
"He just…" Sanemi muttered. "He just wiped out two Upper Moons like they were nothing."
Mitsuri clutched her heart, eyes sparkling. "He's amazing!"
Tengen adjusted his headband, muttering, "Now that's what I call flashy… but it's terrifying too."
Rengoku's voice broke through their stunned silence. "We must not let this chance go to waste! With Saitama on our side, we can strike fear into the heart of Muzan himself!"
But deep inside the Infinity Castle, Muzan Kibutsuji had already sensed everything. His crimson eyes narrowed dangerously. "That bald human… again."
Muzan's hands trembled — with anger, not fear. "He is an anomaly. Something that should not exist in this world."
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Kokushibo Steps Forward
The wind stirred as Kokushibo, the first Upper Moon, finally took a step forward. His six eyes stared directly at Saitama, unblinking.
"You…" Kokushibo's voice was deep, ancient, and calm. "You are no ordinary human. What are you?"
Saitama scratched his cheek. "I'm just a guy who became a hero for fun."
For the first time in centuries, Kokushibo frowned slightly. "Fun?"
Saitama nodded. "Yeah, but it's kinda boring lately. You guys are really weak."
That insult, casually thrown, cut deeper than any blade. Kokushibo's hand tightened around his Flesh Katana, the blade pulsating with Blood Demon Art. Black flames and crescent moons began radiating from the blade.
"I will test your strength myself," Kokushibo declared.
Saitama sighed. "If I win, will you guys finally leave me alone? I just want to go home and watch TV."
Kokushibo didn't answer. Instead, he disappeared — faster than any human eye could follow.
CLANG.
The blade came down on Saitama's head — or rather, it was caught between two fingers. Saitama held the blade casually, his expression blank.
"This again?" Saitama yawned. "Another sword guy? I already fought one with a big sword and no clothes." (Referring to his old fight with Boros.)
Kokushibo's six eyes widened. "Impossible."
With a flick of his fingers, Saitama snapped the sword in half.
For the first time, true shock flickered across Kokushibo's face. "This blade… is part of my very body…"
"Oops." Saitama dropped the broken piece, not even slightly concerned.
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Hashira Join the Fight
"Now's our chance!" Rengoku roared, drawing his blade. "Flame Breathing: Ninth Form — Rengoku!"
Golden flames roared toward Kokushibo, and the other Hashira followed suit:
Mitsuri: Love Breathing: Sixth Form — Cat-Legged Winds of Love!
Sanemi: Wind Breathing: Seventh Form — Gale Sudden Gust!
Giyuu: Water Breathing: Eleventh Form — Dead Calm.
Kokushibo blocked them all — but his movements lacked the usual confidence. His mind was too shaken by Saitama's overwhelming strength. His grip faltered. His steps felt heavier.
For the first time in centuries, Kokushibo felt mortal.
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Akaza's Last Stand
From the mountains, Akaza clawed his way back into the battlefield. His body barely held together, yet his fighting spirit blazed brighter than ever. Blood dripped from his mouth as he roared, "I will not be defeated by a bald clown!"
He charged toward Saitama again — but Saitama simply turned, raising a single finger.
"Consecutive Normal Flicks."
Flick. Flick. Flick.
Each flick hit Akaza's body like a meteor strike, blowing off his limbs one by one until he was reduced to a limbless torso, gasping for air. His regeneration desperately tried to keep up, but Saitama's sheer power outpaced it completely.
"Why… why are you so strong?" Akaza choked out.
Saitama tilted his head. "I told you already. Training. Every day. 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, 10 km run. No AC in summer, no heater in winter."
The Hashira face-planted into the ground. "That's it?!"
Even Kokushibo took a step back. This was not strength born from demon blood or breathing arts. It was pure effort — something that made it even more terrifying.
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Muzan's Command
Far away, Muzan's voice echoed inside the minds of all demons remaining.
"Retreat. Immediately."
Kokushibo's eyes narrowed. "Lord Muzan… commands retreat?"
It had never happened before. Ever.
But Saitama shrugged. "Hey, if you're leaving, that's fine with me. Fighting's kinda boring anyway."
Before anyone could move, Saitama suddenly launched himself into the sky, punching through the air with enough force to create a vacuum. He punched Kokushibo so hard he skipped like a stone across a lake, finally smashing into the horizon.
"Oops." Saitama scratched his head. "Got carried away."
The Hashira stared at him, their jaws hanging open.
"What… what even are you?" Mitsuri whispered.
Saitama turned to her. "Like I said, just a hero for fun."
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The Aftermath
With the demons retreating and two Upper Moons dead, the Hashira gathered around Saitama.
"You saved us," Rengoku smiled, his eyes burning with respect. "I hope one day I can fight alongside you again."
Giyuu simply gave a silent nod. Sanemi crossed his arms, muttering, "I guess you're not half bad, Baldy."
Tengen clapped Saitama's shoulder. "You're flashier than all of us combined!"
Saitama's stomach growled loudly. "Cool. Now, where's the food?"
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Muzan's Rage
Inside the Infinity Castle, Muzan's fist shattered the throne he sat on.
"That bald human… he's a plague upon this world."
Muzan's crimson eyes glowed brighter than ever. "If no demon can kill him… I'll do it myself."
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End of Chapter 44