Demon Slayer Chapter 98

Demon Slayer Chapter 98, titled "The Upper Ranks Gather," marks a chilling turning point as Muzan Kibutsuji convenes a rare meeting of his remaining Upper Rank demons, setting the stage for the Swordsmith Village Arc. The chapter opens with Akaza's palpable displeasure, greeted by Gyokko, the Potted Demon, who feigns concern over the recently defeated Upper Rank Six, Gyutaro. Hantengu corrects Gyokko, emphasizing the unsettling significance of 113 years since their last summons. Akaza, ignoring their bickering, impatiently inquires about Muzan's presence and the arrival of Upper Rank One, Kokushibo. Doma's intrusive familiarity further fuels Akaza's rage, culminating in a vicious punch. This tense assembly immediately establishes the formidable power and volatile personalities of Muzan's elite demons, highlighting their collective disregard for lower ranks and their fear of Muzan's wrath in the compelling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.

The Biwa Demon, Nakime, finally announces Kokushibo's presence, to Akaza's surprise. Kokushibo's silent arrival, alongside their master, Muzan, casts a heavy pall over the gathering. Muzan immediately confirms Gyutaro's death, expressing his profound dissatisfaction. Doma's attempt to apologize and speculate on punishment is met with Muzan's dismissive anticipation of Gyutaro's failure. Muzan coldly questions the very existence of the Upper Ranks, criticizing their inability to eliminate the Ubuyashiki family and locate the elusive Blue Spider Lily. While most Upper Ranks offer weak excuses, Akaza and Gyokko remain silent. Gyokko, seizing an opportunity, claims to possess information that could bring Muzan closer to his ultimate goal, a desperate gamble for survival and favor within Muzan's terrifying hierarchy. This scene vividly portrays Muzan's ruthless leadership and the constant fear instilled in his most powerful subordinates in the Demon Slayer manga.

Muzan, without hesitation, swiftly beheads Gyokko, berating him for speaking of change when he desires permanence. He adds that he is "at the height of displeasure" due to an Upper Rank being killed for the first time in over a hundred years, further berating Gyokko for attempting to give him unconfirmed information. He demands that the Upper Ranks serve him with "suicidal devotion" from that moment on, orders Gyokko to head over with Hantengu if he can confirm his information, and then leaves. Doma approached Gyokko, asking to join him on his mission, and then has the upper portion of his head destroyed by Akaza. The Upper Rank 3 ordered him to get lost, as Muzan had not given him any orders. This chapter effectively transitions from the Entertainment District Arc to the ominous prelude of the Swordsmith Village Arc, establishing the immense threat posed by the Upper Ranks and the escalating war against the Demon Slayers in the captivating world of the Demon Slayer manga.