Kuno was able to meet him, which meant he must have already gathered some information about him.
Although he was the head of the Ubuyashiki family, in reality, given Oboro's background in the Shogunate, Kuno still had to address him as "Master."
Maintaining respect.
"You are not surprised to see me, which means you know a lot about me, the Demon Slayer Corps, and even demons..." Kuno said with a smile.
"You want to know how I killed a demon with an ordinary samurai sword, don't you..."
"Please tell us."
Kuno and his wife bowed together.
"The sword is ordinary. The ability to kill demons comes from a power I was born with... it has nothing to do with breathing techniques. So, I apologize, but this power cannot be inherited and cannot be taught to others," Oboro said calmly.
"I understand."
Kuno looked up and met Oboro's gaze, his eyes steady. "I don't understand breathing techniques, nor do I understand your extraordinary physique. However, being able to slay demons... is enough to prove your power. Therefore... I have come today with the sincere hope that you, Master, would condescend to join our Demon Slayer Corps."
"You want me to join the Demon Slayer Corps?"
Oboro asked with a half-smile.
Very clever... The Ubuyashiki family, being able to sustain the Demon Slayer Corps against Muzan for so long, did have some tricks up their sleeves.
Although past Ubuyashiki heads might not have had the same courage and intellect as Ubuyashiki Kagaya in later generations, they were not far off.
Kuno understood that Oboro was hiding something about the truth of killing demons but didn't expose it.
Instead, he found another way to connect Oboro with the Demon Slayer Corps... not rushing for immediate results, showing great patience.
In fact, after transmigrating, Oboro had already begun collecting information from the Shogunate.
At least in the Edo period, Muzan and his subordinates had been frequently committing crimes without any signs of caution.
This indicated that the Demon Slayer Corps was at a disadvantage in the confrontation...
They were unable to suppress the demons' arrogance, or rather, ever since Yoriichi Tsugikuni's death, the Demon Slayer Corps had been constantly suppressed by Muzan.
The Nine Pillars of later generations truly deserved to be called the strongest generation of the Demon Slayer Corps.
The current Demon Slayer Corps... was too weak.
"I have no interest in demons... I have no grudges or ties with demons. Killing demons has always been the responsibility of your Demon Slayer Corps... so I won't interfere. Besides, as you can see, my time is limited, and I fear I will disappoint your expectations."
Oboro continued.
"Please, Master, lend us your strength... Our Ubuyashiki family is not important, but those young children in the Demon Slayer Corps are facing the danger of death at all times to hunt demons. If Muzan Kibutsuji continues to wreak havoc like this, only more people will die."
Kuno lowered his head again. "As long as you agree to help the Demon Slayer Corps, I, Kuno Ubuyashiki, am willing to offer everything I have to satisfy any of your conditions."
Why did Oboro kill a demon where Yanagiwara could see him?
Was it really a coincidence?
The moment he saw Oboro, Kuno Ubuyashiki had his answer. It wasn't that he came to see Oboro, but that Oboro had made him come.
When he mentioned the name Muzan Kibutsuji, Oboro's reaction was also very calm.
This Master was definitely not simple.
"Any condition? Including replacing you?" Oboro's question made the room fall silent.
"Master misunderstands. Our Ubuyashiki family is not above the members of the Demon Slayer Corps, nor are we leaders. It's just that, based on everyone's recognition of our family, we are allowed to help the Demon Slayer Corps in this way. Strictly speaking, our Ubuyashiki family is no different from any member of the Demon Slayer Corps, with no distinction between high or low status. However, if Master wishes to join the Demon Slayer Corps in a 'commanding' capacity... you would need to win everyone's heartfelt approval."
Kuno replied.
He was telling the truth. The Demon Slayer Corps had survived to this day because of a shared spirit and a common vision.
In other words, no one... including Oboro, could replace the Ubuyashiki family's position.
Only their family could achieve this, uniting the Demon Slayer Corps members through their hatred for Muzan.
This was also the shining point of the Ubuyashiki family.
Those without great conviction could not reach this stage.
Kuno was not surprised that Oboro asked this question. As a Shogunate official, a high-ranking officer in the magistrate's office... his actions would naturally be influenced by power, distinguishing between superiority and inferiority.
But in reality, Oboro was just testing him.
Outside the door, a maid entered with several books and placed them between them.
"Take them back..."
Oboro said.
"Hmm?"
Kuno's eyes flickered.
"This is my understanding of breathing techniques. Make it public within the Demon Slayer Corps. It can be considered my small contribution to you," Oboro said with a smile.
The books contained several simple breathing techniques that Oboro knew, as well as some variations he had developed after experiencing Sun Breathing. They were far less profound than what he had taught Kamado Tanpei, but they could still greatly benefit the Hashira-level swordsmen.
Upon hearing this, Kuno knew that inviting Oboro to join the Demon Slayer Corps was impossible.
He couldn't help but feel disappointed.
"Chiyoko, see them out."
After chatting for a while longer, Oboro called out.
"Yes."
The maid nodded and gestured for the Ubuyashiki couple to leave.
The two slowly stood up, bowed deeply to Oboro again, and then left together.
A moment later, standing on the street, looking at Oboro's mansion, Ubuyashiki sighed, "What a shame..."
This Master was still very young, but his health was poor, and his life was nearing its end, which led him to refuse.
If he hadn't been ill, perhaps... he could have succeeded.
At the end of his life, Kuno did not want to disturb the other's 'peace.'
This was out of respect for life.
...
The seeds of power need time to incubate, and a balanced clash is the best soil for nurturing. If the Demon Slayer Corps were directly given unparalleled breathing techniques, it would inevitably lead to heavy losses for Muzan's side, and even Muzan himself would be in danger... In this way, if demons disappeared prematurely, fate would end early.
Power would naturally lose its meaning and wither away.
Therefore, Oboro intentionally revealed himself to the Ubuyashiki family, wanting to give them a push, to help them reverse their long-term losing streak and begin to gain the upper hand...
However, to strengthen this world's power system and shed the label of a 'low-level world,' the person who should be assisted the most is actually on Muzan's side.
The reason is simple: chaos is the path to fostering powerful forces.
If Muzan gained the upper hand, the impact on this world would gradually increase over time, and in order to resist, more and more junior swordsmen would emerge... it might even be possible to subvert the essence of this world.
Oboro looked up at the sky outside the door. "Pressure from the external environment fosters evolution, and evolution is often accompanied by... pain."
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