Sanemi Shinazugawa finally realized he had gone too far.
He released Tanjiro's collar and stepped back, putting distance between them.
The hostility in Nezuko's pink eyes slowly faded.
Though she had just come out of the box, she understood what had happened.
She shot Sanemi one more glare—
Then puffed her cheeks and turned her head away.
Anyone who tried to hurt her was a bad person!
Hmph!
She refused to even look at him.
Tanjiro smiled awkwardly and gently patted her head.
Nezuko had her own little temper now.
"Shut up! I asked first!"
Sanemi's voice rose again.
"What are Muzan Kibutsuji's abilities?"
"Where is his lair?! Tell us!"
Ubuyashiki lifted one finger to his lips.
Silence fell instantly.
Even the air seemed to freeze.
Sanemi stepped back into line.
All eyes waited on the Master.
When the courtyard was quiet enough, Ubuyashiki lowered his hand.
"Muzan… is currently sending demons to hunt Tanjiro and the others."
"Perhaps to silence them."
"But for the first time, we have grasped a trace of him."
"I do not intend to let go."
"It is likely something occurred with Nezuko that Muzan did not anticipate."
"Do you understand?"
"Yes!"
The Hashira responded in unison.
Obanai glanced sideways at Sanemi.
Fortunately, someone had restrained him earlier.
Otherwise, they might have lost their only lead on Muzan.
His gaze drifted toward Giyu again.
Still violating rules.
Still protecting demons.
Obanai's white snake flicked its tongue in the same direction.
Aoyama noticed everything.
Just as rumored—
Giyu truly wasn't popular among the Hashira.
And worst of all—
He didn't even realize it.
"Tanjiro."
Tanjiro hurried out and knelt in the courtyard.
Nezuko shrank to her miniature form again.
With tiny effort-filled steps, she crawled back into the box and shut the door tightly.
It was so adorable it nearly melted everyone's hearts.
"Tanjiro," Ubuyashiki continued gently,
"You and Nezuko are both members of the Demon Slayer Corps."
"But Nezuko is a special existence."
"Some will never accept her."
"You must prove her worth."
"Prove that she can fight alongside us."
"Can you do that?"
Tanjiro froze for a split second—
Then bowed deeply.
"Yes! We can! We absolutely can!"
"If you wish your words to carry weight," Ubuyashiki said kindly,
"then defeat a member of the Twelve Kizuki."
"Once you do, more will acknowledge you."
Tanjiro's chest filled with burning determination.
He straightened.
"I—I will defeat Muzan Kibutsuji!"
"I will cut through this chain of sorrow!"
Aoyama quietly turned aside and covered his face.
This guy…
Ubuyashiki chuckled softly.
"For now, defeating Muzan is beyond you."
"Start with one of the Twelve Kizuki."
Tanjiro's face instantly turned crimson.
He glanced at Aoyama—
Who was clearly trying not to laugh.
He is laughing at me!
Again!
Why do I always say things at the wrong time?!
This is so embarrassing!!!
"…Yes."
His voice was much smaller this time.
Behind him, Mitsuri puffed her cheeks, desperately holding back laughter.
Shinobu covered her mouth, smiling.
Even others let out quiet chuckles.
Tanjiro wanted to dig a hole and bury himself immediately.
"The Hashira possess exceptional talent," Ubuyashiki continued gently.
"But they earned their positions through relentless hardship and by defeating members of the Twelve Kizuki."
"That is why they are respected."
"Tanjiro, choose your words carefully."
"Yes…"
Tanjiro understood.
And burned with shame.
With that, the matter of Nezuko was settled.
The Hashira Meeting would now continue without them.
The Kakushi led Tanjiro away for treatment.
Aoyama slung the box over his shoulder, preparing to leave.
"Aoyama," Shinobu called suddenly.
"Come to the Butterfly Estate as well."
The Butterfly Estate was her territory—her infirmary.
Aoyama wasn't injured.
Yet she invited him personally.
He glanced at the box on his back.
As long as Nezuko was safe—
He didn't care where they stayed.
The other Hashira exchanged glances.
Clearly, they suspected Shinobu wanted firsthand information about Muzan.
Shinobu blinked innocently.
"What? Is there a problem?"
"Haha! Shinobu! I will also go to the Butterfly Estate!" Rengoku declared.
"I want another match with Aoyama!"
Mitsuri tugged at Shinobu's sleeve.
"I'm coming too."
"I as well," said Obanai quietly.
"I shall go—flamboyantly!" Uzui struck a dramatic pose.
Muichiro shrugged.
"I guess I'll take a look too."
Seeing the lively exchange, Ubuyashiki smiled.
"Very well."
"Now then—let us begin the Hashira Meeting."
One truth was clear—
Every single one of them desperately wanted information about Muzan Kibutsuji.
And Aoyama—
Held the only thread they had.
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