Chapter 52

Cruel and Heartless is the fifty-second chapter of Koyoharu Gotōge's Kimetsu no Yaiba.

Summary
A narration describes the Twelve Kizuki as an organization of the strongest Demons composed by Muzan Kibutsuji. The six strongest Demons are considered members of the "Upper Ranks", with Upper Rank 6 being the weakest and Upper Rank 1 being the strongest. Whereas, the six weaker Demons are classified as members of the "Lower Ranks", with Lower Rank 1 being the strongest and Lower Rank 6 being the weakest. The members of the Lower Ranks have their rank engraved in only one of their eyes, whereas the Upper Ranks have their ranks engraved in both of their eyes and have a strong hatred towards the Demons of the Lower Ranks.

Unbeknownst to the Twelve Demons, Muzan possesses the ability to locate, see, and read the thoughts of the Demons who have his blood. This would generally include Nezuko, but due to Tamayo's efforts when they met in Asakusa, his curse was lifted from her thus preventing him from locating Nezuko.

Back in the Infinity Castle, Muzan has become agitated with the behavior of the Lower Ranks and snatches hold of Kamanue. As he begs for mercy and apologizes to him, the Demon Lord does not spare him, and kills Kamanue on the spot. The remaining Lower Ranks are left traumatized as Kamanue's blood spills on top of them.

Muzan then targets Mukago and questions if she has more fear for the Demon Slayers rather than him, which she denies. However he takes offense, and accuses her of contradicting him, without giving her a chance to respond he quickly kills her as well. With only three of the Lower Ranks remaining, Lower Rank 3, Wakuraba, decides that his only chance of surviving death is to escape so he makes a run for it. Before he can reach the exit, he is seemingly decapitated by Muzan who finally reveals his intentions of dismantling the Lower Ranks.

As Muzan asks for any final words, Lower Rank 2, Rokuro attempts to save face by asking Muzan for more time. However when Muzan questions what he would be able to contribute if given more time, he asks for more blood to become more powerful which angers Muzan. Muzan demands to know why he give him more blood on his instruction, to which Rokuro denies which angers Muzan as he sees this as Rokuro contradicting him and kills him.

The remaining Demon that is left is Lower Rank 1, Enmu, who is given the chance to speak. However, he surprises Muzan by thanking him for personally being the one to kill him, as well as allowing him to hear the screams of the other Demons before he dies and saving him for last. In a sudden manner, Muzan pierces Enmu's neck and supplies him with more blood.

He instructs Enmu to become useful to him by killing Hashira of the Demon Slayers, he also tells him that "if you kill the demon slayer with earrings that look like hanafuda cards, I'll share even more blood with you.".

The biwa Demon strums her instrument once more as Muzan makes his exit. The chapter concludes with Enmu writhing on the floor, as he envisions Tanjiro, and the idea of receiving more blood.

Events

 * Muzan kills the Lower Ranks.
 * Enmu is sent to kill Tanjiro.

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