"Don't get so emotional, Sanemi."
Giyu Tomioka's voice was calm, even as tension stirred around him.
"I know you hate demons. But this girl is different from the ones we usually fight. She's a victim—just like all of us."
"No matter how you question it, there's no denying that she hasn't harmed a single person in the past two years."
"If you were to kill her now… what would that make you? Just someone who murders a fourteen-year-old girl who's done no wrong."
As soon as Tomioka finished speaking, two childish voices rang out clearly across the courtyard.
"The Master has arrived!!"
Accompanied by those high voices, Ubuyashiki Kagaya, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, stepped forward slowly with the help of his twin daughters, Kiriya and Kanata.
"Good morning, everyone. It's a beautiful day, isn't it? I wonder if the sky will stay blue today."
"I'm very pleased to see all of you gathered here for our semi-annual Hashira meeting."
As one, the Hashira lined up and dropped to one knee, heads bowed respectfully.
"My Lord, we are overjoyed to see you in good health!"
"We pray for your continued recovery."
Tomioka glanced up, sighing quietly to himself.
(The curse has already taken his eyes…)
Standing to the side, Sanemi Shinazugawa raised his head and spoke with his usual biting tone.
"My Lord. Before we begin the Hashira council—this issue regarding the swordsman harboring a demon—Tanjiro Kamado."
"Could you please clarify your intentions?"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya bowed his head slightly and spoke in a gentle tone.
"Yes. I must first apologize if this situation caused any distress or alarm."
"I accept both Tanjiro and Nezuko. I hope, in time, all of you can accept them as well."
Himejima Gyomei clasped his hands together tightly, tears falling from beneath his blindfold.
"…Even if it is your command, my Lord, I cannot accept it."
Kanroji Mitsuri looked up at Kagaya, her cheeks pink and eyes shimmering with emotion.
"I'll do anything you ask, Master! I'll believe in you no matter what!"
Tokito Muichiro, seemingly indifferent, stared off at the clouds and murmured, "Doesn't really matter. I'll forget either way."
Uzui Tengen remained quiet, arms folded, his expression contemplative as he replayed Giyu's earlier words in his mind.
Kocho Shinobu said nothing, her eyes unreadable—still weighing the facts against her heart.
Kanae Kocho, calm and composed, stepped forward.
"I believe in what Tomioka said. And I trust in your judgment, Lord Ubuyashiki."
Iguro Obanai scoffed, his eyes narrowed.
"You shouldn't trust me. And you definitely shouldn't trust a demon. I've always hated them."
Rengoku Kyojuro stood with righteous passion burning in his voice.
"Even if I revere you with all my heart, my Lord, I cannot support this decision!!"
"I stand firmly against it! Let's not get caught up in sentimentality—this demon may not have eaten anyone yet, but if she does in the future, the consequences will be irreversible!"
"Those who have died can never return!"
Sanemi ground his teeth and spoke with cold fury, each word sharp as a blade.
"Slaying demons is the very purpose of the Demon Slayer Corps!"
"I demand you punish Kamado and Tomioka!"
Tomioka remained silent. He had said everything he could. Now it was up to the Master.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya gave no further explanation. Instead, he nodded gently.
"Bring out the letter."
One of his daughters stepped forward, holding a folded envelope. She opened it carefully and began to read.
"This is a letter from the former Water Hashira—Urokodaki Sakonji."
"I will read an excerpt aloud—"
'Please forgive Tanjiro for continuing to travel with his sister who has become a demon.'
'Nezuko has retained the clarity of a human mind and strong will. Even in extreme hunger, she refuses to harm others.'
'Two years have passed like this.'
'This may be difficult to believe, but it is the truth.'
'If Nezuko ever attacks a human, then Tanjiro Kamado, I, Urokodaki Sakonji, and Tomioka Giyu will commit seppuku to atone.'
As the final words were read aloud, a heavy silence fell.
Tanjiro's eyes welled with tears as he looked at Giyu's stoic face.
He hadn't expected his master and his senior to go this far for him.
Tomioka noticed the boy's gaze but didn't meet it. His face remained still, but inwardly he thought:
(Don't cry, I didn't do this entirely of my own will… but there's no turning back now.)
Sanemi glared at Giyu. When he saw the same cold expression still unmoved, his fury exploded.
"What the hell does seppuku prove?! If you're so eager to die, go rot in a ditch somewhere!"
"That kind of vow guarantees nothing!!"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya remained composed.
"You are right, Shinazugawa. That vow alone cannot guarantee Nezuko will never harm anyone."
"But neither can anyone guarantee that she will."
The Hashira exchanged looks—some shaken, some thoughtful.
Sanemi, however, was seething.
Kagaya continued.
"Nezuko has not harmed anyone in two years. That is a fact."
"Urokodaki and Tomioka have staked their lives on that fact. If you deny it, then you must be willing to stake something greater in return."
Silence again fell, until Rengoku finally said with a hum:
"Hmm."
Then Ubuyashiki dropped a final bombshell.
"Also—Tanjiro Kamado has encountered Muzan Kibutsuji."
The moment the name was spoken, the courtyard erupted.
"What?!"
"What did he look like?!"
"Where did you see him?!"
"Did you fight him?"
"What's his ability?! Did you find his base?! Tell us!"
"Shut up, you clown! I asked first! What's Muzan's ability?! Tell me!!"
Ubuyashiki raised one finger to his lips.
"Sssh."
The Hashira instantly quieted.
"Muzan sent demons after Tanjiro. Perhaps simply to reduce risk… but I suspect there's more."
"I intend to pursue Muzan's trail—this could be our only lead."
"Something about Nezuko clearly unsettles him."
"Do you all understand now?"
The Hashira were no fools. They understood what their leader was implying.
All except one.
Sanemi clenched his fists. His voice trembled with rage.
"I don't understand, my Lord!!"
"If she were a human, I could forgive her. But she's a demon. I can't—!"
Without warning, Sanemi drew his Nichirin Blade and slashed across his own forearm, blood dripping onto the ground.
"Sanemi—" Ubuyashiki began, surprised.
But Sanemi was already shouting:
"My Lord! I'll show you just how vile demons are!!"
"Tomioka! Hand me the box!!"