"Sabito... Makomo.." He silently repeated the names in his heart. The massive weight that had pressed on his chest for seven long years, making it difficult to breathe, finally cracked at that moment.
He did not know who this person named Rin was, but he knew one thing clearly. By killing that Morph Demon, Rin had not only avenged Sabito but had also prevented the future deaths of more Water Breathing disciples.
"Master!"
Giyu suddenly looked up. His expression was extremely solemn, and his voice rang with firm resolve.
"No matter who this person named Rin is, I, Giyu Tomioka, will remember this kindness! If he joins the Demon Slayer Corps, I am willing to do everything in my power to assist him!"
Shinobu Kocho, who was also somewhat surprised, quickly returned to her usual gentle smile.
She turned toward Kagaya Ubuyashiki and reported softly, "Master, the Rin mentioned by this Kasugai Crow is the same mysterious young man I reported to you a few days ago."
"He does not use any Breathing Style known to us, yet he can release lightning with his bare hands and instantly destroy demon cells. At first, I thought he was merely exceptionally strong, but I did not expect that he would treat Fujikasane Mountain as a training ground."
"Very good." A long unseen trace of color appeared on Kagaya Ubuyashiki's pale face. "In fifteen days, after his Nichirin blade has been forged, convene a Hashira meeting. I would very much like to personally meet this... miracle that may help us finally end Muzan."
[Ding! Detected that the host's achievement of killing the "Hand Demon" has been reported to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters!]
[Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka has learned the truth of that year through the Master's deduction. He has developed immense gratitude and shock toward the host, and the knot in his heart has begun to loosen!]
[Master Kagaya Ubuyashiki now regards the host as the key to breaking the deadlock. The storyline has undergone a major shift!]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining dimension points: 3,000!]
...
"Achoo!"
At that moment, Rin, who had already arrived outside a hidden mountain deep within Tokyo Prefecture, suddenly sneezed for no apparent reason.
"Who's talking about me? Whatever. I just pocketed three thousand points. This wave is a huge profit."
Rin stopped, deactivated the chakra attached to the soles of his feet, and landed steadily on the ground.
Looking at the dimension points on the system panel, which had already surpassed eight thousand, Rin was in an excellent mood.
Looking up, not far ahead stood a vast manor filled with traditional Japanese architecture, resting quietly in the sunlight.
Delicate butterfly patterns were carved into the walls of the manor, and the courtyard was filled with various plants that emitted unusual medicinal fragrances.
This was the logistics and medical base of the Demon Slayer Corps.
The Butterfly Mansion.
Rin did not climb over the wall like a certain white-haired flashy man. Instead, he walked to the main gate like a normal visitor and reached out to knock on the door knocker.
Creak.
The door opened slightly, and a girl with twin tails wearing a nurse's uniform and a somewhat serious expression peeked out.
Aoi Kanzaki.
"May I ask who you are? This is the exclusive medical institution of the Demon Slayer Corps. If you are not injured or cannot present a uniform to prove your identity, you are not permitted to enter," Aoi Kanzaki said as she sized up the handsome young man in civilian clothes carrying a black blade. Her tone was efficient and firm.
"Can't I come if I'm not injured?" Rin smiled without showing any annoyance. "Your mistress Shinobu Kocho invited me. Go report that Rin has arrived."
"Invited by Lady Shinobu?" Aoi Kanzaki froze for a moment and looked at Rin suspiciously.
Although Lady Shinobu was always smiling, she almost never brought strange young men to the Butterfly Mansion unless it was official business.
This guy did not even have a Demon Slayer Corps uniform. What exactly was his background?
Just as Aoi Kanzaki was hesitating over whether she should confirm it first, a light voice suddenly came from above Rin's head.
"Ara ara~ Mr. Rin's speed is truly impressive. Even though I sent a message ahead by carrier pigeon, you actually arrived before my messenger."
Accompanied by a faint gust of fragrant wind, Shinobu Kocho, wearing her butterfly-patterned haori, leaped down from a high tower inside the manor like a falling leaf and landed steadily in front of Rin.
"Lady Shinobu!" Aoi Kanzaki quickly bowed in greeting.
"Good work, Aoi. This is a distinguished guest I personally invited. Go prepare the best guest room, and also arrange some hearty meals," Shinobu Kocho said as she turned to give instructions before looking back at Rin with bright, curious eyes.
Distinguished guest?! Aoi Kanzaki's eyes widened. This was the first time she had heard Lady Shinobu use that term to describe a man of the same age.
"Alright, stop standing at the door like a greeter." Rin casually flicked the noisy Kasugai Crow off his shoulder and strode into the courtyard of the Butterfly Mansion, as relaxed as if he had returned to his own home.
"I'll be staying here for fifteen days until my Nichirin blade and uniform are delivered. During that time, I'll have to trouble you, the big tycoon, for food and lodging."
Rin spoke in an extremely casual tone, not treating Shinobu Kocho, a Hashira, as some lofty figure at all.
This carefree attitude only deepened the smile on Shinobu Kocho's lips.
"It is an honor for our mansion to host the 'monster' who wiped out Fujikasane Mountain by his own power." Shinobu Kocho walked beside Rin and lowered her voice, speaking quietly so that only the two of them could hear. "The Master has just issued an order. In fifteen days, he wants to meet you personally at the Hashira Meeting."
"The Hashira Meeting?" Rin raised an eyebrow.
According to the usual procedure, the Hashira Meeting was typically held once every six months or when a major incident occurred.
Yet he was a newcomer who had not even received his uniform, and he had already been given the qualification to attend this highest-level meeting.
"That's right. The Master also seems very interested in your ability to kill demons without a Nichirin blade. When the time comes, the other Hashira will not be as easy to talk to as I am. Those with short tempers will probably be unable to resist testing you." Shinobu Kocho spoke with a smile, as if she was looking forward to seeing Rin suffer a setback.
"Test me?"
Rin's footsteps stopped, and he turned his head. Without any warning, three crimson tomoe appeared in his pitch-black eyes.
A sharp pressure that made Shinobu Kocho's hair stand on end flashed past in an instant, almost like something tangible.
"Then they had better prepare medicine for bruises and injuries in advance. I do not mind giving these so-called strongest swordsmen a few free lessons in taijutsu on my first day after joining the corps."
Leaving behind that extremely arrogant remark, Rin walked straight toward the guest room.
Shinobu Kocho stood there stunned for two full seconds before she covered her mouth and chuckled.
"He really is an... arrogant and ...charming fellow."
Meanwhile, Kanao Tsuyuri, who had just arrived at the gate of the Butterfly Mansion to report her mission, happened to witness this scene.
She looked at Rin's tall, V-shaped back, then at her master's smile that carried a hint of unusual warmth, and clutched the coin in her hand somewhat blankly.