The setting sun stretched Tanjiro's departing shadow across the ground as Sol Mirek stood quietly at the edge of the cliff. He could feel the immense power flowing steadily through his body.
This world was fragile compared to him.
Yet that weakness was precisely what made it interesting. It allowed him to calmly study the true nature of Breathing Techniques without any real pressure.
"Mr. Sol!"
Sakonji Urokodaki's voice came from behind him.
Sol turned slightly.
"Kagaya Ubuyashiki has sent a Kasugai Crow," Sakonji said. "He wishes for you to come to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters for a discussion."
A pitch black crow perched calmly on Sakonji's hand. Its sharp eyes studied Sol with unusual intelligence.
Sol nodded.
"Perfect. I wanted to meet the head of the Ubuyashiki family anyway."
The next morning, Sol left Mount Sagiri. Tanjiro remained behind, already deep into his morning training. Sol simply gave him a casual wave before following the Kasugai Crow into the mountains.
The journey was short for someone like him.
Forests, cliffs, and valleys passed beneath his feet as he moved across the terrain with incredible speed. The crow occasionally guided him by circling above or settling briefly on his shoulder.
Less than half a day later, Sol arrived at a large mansion hidden deep within the mountains.
He approached the entrance and lifted the bronze knocker.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
A few moments later, light footsteps hurried toward the door.
The wooden gate slowly opened.
"Welcome, Mr. Sol."
Two young girls stood behind the door. Both had short white hair and nearly identical appearances. Their kimonos were decorated with delicate embroidered patterns, and each wore a flower tassel ornament in her hair, one red and one yellow.
Their expressions were calm and polite.
"Please come in."
A faint, mysterious atmosphere surrounded them, and their doll like faces remained perfectly composed.
Sol followed them through a quiet corridor that stretched deep into the mansion. The wooden floor creaked softly beneath their steps.
"Kagaya Ubuyashiki is waiting for you in the courtyard," the girl on the left said gently. Her voice was soft and clear, like the sound of a small bell.
Soon, the corridor opened into a spacious courtyard.
The moment Sol stepped inside, ten pairs of eyes focused on him.
"Mr. Sol, welcome."
Sol stood calmly at the entrance as his gaze moved across the people gathered there.
Nine Hashira stood or sat in different positions throughout the courtyard. Each one radiated a powerful presence.
Even without looking closely, Sol could sense the unique rhythm of their breathing. Every one of them had mastered a different Breathing Technique.
At the center sat a pale man on the veranda.
"Mr. Sol, I have long heard of your reputation."
The man's voice was gentle.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat calmly with a faint smile. His face was pale and sickly, yet his presence carried an unusual warmth that made people instinctively trust him.
"I am Kagaya Ubuyashiki, leader of the Demon Slayer Corps."
Sol stepped forward into the courtyard. The Kasugai Crow lifted off his shoulder and settled on a nearby cherry blossom tree.
Sol nodded casually.
"I assume Sakonji already told you about my intentions."
Kagaya coughed softly. One of the attendants beside him quickly offered a handkerchief. After wiping his mouth, he continued speaking in the same calm tone.
"Yes. Regarding the plan to hunt Muzan Kibutsuji, I have gathered the Hashira to discuss it."
A rough voice suddenly interrupted.
"You want to hunt Muzan? You look pretty ordinary to me."
The speaker had messy white hair and several scars crossing his face. His uniform hung loosely, exposing a chest covered in old wounds. A white haori rested on his shoulders with the character for Kill on the back.
Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira.
His eyes were filled with open hostility.
Sol did not respond to him immediately. Instead, he looked toward Kagaya.
"Has the information about the Blue Spider Lily been spread quietly?"
Kagaya nodded.
"It has been arranged according to your suggestion. However, Muzan is extremely cautious. There is no guarantee he will take the bait."
Sanemi clicked his tongue in irritation. Sol ignoring him only worsened his mood, but he restrained himself since Kagaya was speaking.
Sol glanced across the courtyard again.
Every Hashira was watching him carefully. Some looked curious, others skeptical. Sanemi's hostility was the most obvious.
Only Giyu Tomioka remained silent and expressionless.
"Since the preparations are complete," Sol said calmly, "all we need to do is wait for Muzan to appear."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"During that time, I want to learn all the Breathing Techniques."
His words fell into the courtyard like a stone dropped into still water.
Several Hashira frowned immediately.
Sanemi stood up at once.
"What did you just say?"
His eyes burned with anger.
"Do you think Breathing Techniques are some kind of joke? Even if we teach you, you think you can learn them in a few days?"
Kagaya slowly raised a hand, signaling everyone to remain calm.
"Mr. Sol," he said gently, "you are welcome to study any Breathing Technique."
He paused.
"However, would you be willing to demonstrate your strength first? It will help the Hashira better understand your abilities and cooperate with your plan."
Although Sakonji's letter described Sol as incredibly powerful, Kagaya still preferred to confirm things personally.
Sol nodded.
"That's fair. What kind of demonstration do you want?"
The courtyard grew quiet.
The Hashira exchanged glances before one of them stepped forward slightly.
A young woman with a butterfly hair ornament smiled gently.
"I am Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira."
Her voice sounded sweet, but there was a sharp edge hidden beneath it.
"How about this? If you defeat one Hashira in a one on one match, we will acknowledge your strength."
Sol listened quietly.
Then the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
His gaze swept calmly across the nine Hashira standing before him.
"One on one?"
He shook his head.
"I refuse."
The courtyard instantly became silent.
Several Hashira looked stunned.
Shinobu narrowed her eyes slightly, though her smile remained.
"Refuse?" she said softly. "Mr. Sol, do you believe we are not worthy opponents?"
Sanemi exploded immediately.
"You bastard! Are you looking down on us?"
Veins bulged across his forehead as he glared at Sol.
Kagaya once again raised his hand to calm everyone.
"Mr. Sol," he asked gently, "why do you refuse?"
Sol looked around at the gathered Hashira.
His tone remained calm.
"Because a one on one fight would waste too much time."
His eyes passed over each of them.
"So let's do it this way."
"All nine of you can fight me at the same time."
The words landed like a thunderclap.
Every Hashira froze.
Even Gyomei Himejima, the usually composed Stone Hashira, widened his blind eyes slightly.