On the second day of Raiden's rest at the Butterfly Mansion, his Kasugai Crow landed by the window.
"The Hashira meeting will commence at noon. Please prepare."
Raiden gave a small nod, then rose to dress. He slipped into his cloud-patterned robe and adjusted it neatly.
Aside from integrating Shinobu Kocho's techniques into his own style, he had spent the past two days training. The results were modest, only a slight improvement, but steady progress was still progress.
More importantly, his own talent and sharp instincts continued to push him forward. He could feel it, he was approaching a level beyond the current Hashira.
At this pace, it would not take long before he broke past that limit.
Once he reached that point, even Kokushibo would no longer be an insurmountable threat. As for Muzan Kibutsuji, Raiden did not underestimate him. Strength within the same tier could vary greatly, and Muzan was not an opponent to take lightly.
After finishing up, Raiden left the Butterfly Mansion and headed to headquarters.
Although the meeting was set for noon, six Hashira were already present when he arrived.
Kyojuro Rengoku's eyes lit up the moment he saw him. Since the Mugen Train incident, he had rarely seen Raiden in person, only hearing updates through the crows.
Upper Rank Six, then Upper Rank Four, and now Upper Rank Two.
When Rengoku learned that Doma had fallen to Raiden, he understood something clearly. The younger swordsman had already surpassed him.
Rengoku had grown stronger as well, but he knew the gap between himself and Akaza still remained. And yet Raiden had slain a demon ranked above Akaza.
The difference was obvious.
"Raiden!"
Almost at the same time, Shinobu Kocho, Mitsuri Kanroji, Kyojuro Rengoku, Muichiro Tokito, and Tengen Uzui greeted him.
The five exchanged glances, mildly surprised at how naturally they had all called out to him.
Even Giyu Tomioka, standing quietly to the side, showed the faintest shift in his gaze.
"Long time no see," Raiden said with a relaxed smile.
These people had all played a role in pushing him to where he was now. There was still room to grow, and he intended to make full use of it.
After a brief exchange, Sanemi Shinazugawa and Obanai Iguro entered.
Obanai silently took his seat.
Sanemi, however, walked straight up to Raiden. Tilting his head slightly, he spoke.
"I heard you killed two Upper Ranks at the Swordsmith Village."
Raiden looked at him, unimpressed.
"Yeah."
"Not bad. I thought you'd die there."
Sanemi walked past him without another word and sat down.
Raiden rolled his eyes.
If you are worried, just say it. No need to act like that.
Still, something about Sanemi's tone lingered. It was rough, but not empty.
Behind them, Sanemi and Obanai continued their quiet exchange.
"Shame I didn't run into one."
"Then you didn't. Nothing to do about it."
Raiden exhaled softly.
If those two had faced Doma, they would not be speaking so casually.
Obanai spoke again, his gaze fixed elsewhere.
"How's your condition now?"
Raiden twitched slightly.
You could at least look at me when asking.
"I've mostly recovered."
"Same here," Muichiro added calmly. "This time, we owe it to Tanjiro and Raiden."
His eyes rested briefly on Raiden.
"To defeat three Upper Ranks and still stand… that's impressive."
At the front, Gyomei Himejima pressed his palms together.
"It is truly remarkable. Namu Amida Butsu."
Shinobu was about to speak when Amane Ubuyashiki entered.
"I apologize for the wait," she said gently. "Today's meeting will be conducted by me, on behalf of Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Due to his worsening condition, he will no longer be able to appear before you."
She bowed deeply.
A heavy silence fell over the room. Concern showed clearly on the Hashira's faces.
"We understand," Gyomei said. "We will pray for his strength to last as long as possible. Please take care of yourself as well, Lady Amane."
"Thank you."
Amane straightened and continued.
"You have all received reports regarding the Swordsmith Village incident. Raiden has eliminated two Upper Ranks. Muzan Kibutsuji will not ignore this."
"To remove the threat Raiden poses, he will certainly attempt to kill him."
"Upper Rank Two, Doma, fell to Raiden. Upper Rank One, Kokushibo, also encountered him days ago."
Her words caused a stir.
Upper Rank One?
Raiden had already faced Kokushibo?
How long had it even been?
He had crossed paths with nearly every Upper Rank.
Even Sanemi lowered his head slightly, his expression tightening. He never underestimated the Upper Ranks. Too many Hashira had died proving their strength.
Raiden defeating three of them was more than enough to show the gap between them.
Amane continued calmly.
"We cannot allow Raiden to face Muzan alone. A full-scale battle is approaching."
"I have also received reports that during the battle against Upper Rank Four, Mitsuri Kanroji and Muichiro Tokito developed unique markings."
"Raiden displayed a similar mark during his fight with Kokushibo."
"Marks?"
Several voices echoed in confusion.
"During the Sengoku era," Amane explained, "swordsmen who mastered the original breathing styles nearly drove Muzan into defeat. It is said they all bore marks resembling demon patterns on their bodies."
"The first to awaken such a mark in this generation was Tanjiro. However, his explanation lacks clarity."
She looked toward Raiden, Mitsuri, and Muichiro.
"So we now ask for your insight. Under what conditions did these marks appear?"