Chapter 245: Kocho Kanae couldn't help but smile

The Pillar Meeting is held every six months. During this time, the top combatants of the Demon Slayer Corps—the "Pillars"—gather at the Corps Leader's residence. Under the guidance of the Corps Leader, they determine the major action plans for the next six months.

In the past, each Pillar Meeting often meant the loss of some familiar faces, with new ones occasionally appearing. Who could have imagined that each meeting would see fewer familiar faces and sometimes more unfamiliar ones?

Now, the Pillar Meetings have improved. Old faces no longer disappear, and new ones continue to emerge.

The last time a Pillar was lost was three years ago.

"Namu Amida Butsu."

Gyomei Himejima arrived early at the Corps Leader's residence to wait. This tall monk was the first to arrive.

Since he arrived too early, he had to wait in the courtyard.

But unexpectedly... he saw Lady Amane playing with five children in the courtyard.

"Lady Amane."

"Ah, Mr. Himejima. You're here so early. Have you had breakfast?" Amane Ubuyashiki asked.

"Lady Amane, there's no need to worry. I've already eaten some dry rations."

"Next time, please come directly to the residence."

Facing Amane's invitation, Gyomei Himejima remained silent. He didn't feel comfortable eating at the Ubuyashiki residence due to his status.

—Unlike that person from three years ago, who was so carefree, even casually putting his arm around the Corps Leader's shoulder...

The courtyard remained the same as always. The stream in the lake was crystal clear, and the trees nearby still looked as they had before.

The location hadn't changed, but the participants of the Pillar Meeting had. Now, apart from himself, the other Pillars were all from the younger generation. Among them, Kanae Kocho had even been introduced to the Demon Slayer Corps by him.

Setting aside his thoughts, Gyomei Himejima turned his attention to the Corps Leader's health: "Lady Amane, is the Corps Leader alone inside?"

"No, he's not alone. Someone is with him. Please wait a little longer, Mr. Himejima. Both of them will come out soon," Amane replied.

"Is that so? Lady Amane, is the person inside someone I know?"

"I'm sorry, but I promised that gentleman. I can't reveal his identity to anyone."

"I see. My apologies."

"No need to apologize. It's more my fault for not being able to answer your question."

That's how the conversation went.

Amane Ubuyashiki would never reveal any information to Gyomei Himejima. And accordingly, Gyomei wouldn't press further.

His arrival was a signal that the other Pillars would soon arrive. Amane then left the courtyard with the children.

Gyomei Himejima watched as Kagaya Ubuyashiki's five children left. The eldest was around eight years old, while the youngest was only two or three.

The next generation of the Ubuyashiki family was growing up strong.

But the older generation was already fading.

Gyomei Himejima's fragile tear ducts once again let tears flow as he thought about the Corps Leader's health.

"Mr. Himejima, good morning. Do you need a tissue to wipe your tears?"

A woman's voice appeared in the courtyard.

Almost as soon as Amane Ubuyashiki left with her children, Kanae Kocho arrived, accompanied by Makomo.

They had come from the Butterfly Mansion.

"No need," Gyomei Himejima shook his head.

He was already used to his tears. The Corps Leader had said he was sensitive and easily moved by his surroundings. That person had said his tear ducts were overactive, and crying when sad was just a physical flaw.

Regardless, this was who he was.

Gyomei Himejima had long since grown accustomed to it.

"Alright then. Was Lady Amane just playing with the children here?"

"Yes."

"Oh~~~" Kanae Kocho pondered, pinching her chin.

Makomo then asked Gyomei Himejima, "Mr. Himejima, do you know why the Corps Leader called this emergency Pillar Meeting?"

An emergency Pillar Meeting.

Since becoming a Pillar, Makomo had never encountered such a thing. Weren't these meetings supposed to be held every six months without fail? If it weren't for the lack of time, she would have gone back to Mount Sagiri to ask her teacher if there had been any similar precedents.

Unfortunately, Gyomei Himejima didn't know the answer.

At that moment, Kanae Kocho stood by the small pond, watching the fish swim.

Soon, the other Pillars began to arrive.

The first to arrive was Tengen Uzui.

He immediately expressed his gratitude and congratulations to Kanae Kocho: "If it weren't for you, I would have had to go to the red-light district with my wives."

While he wasn't unwilling to put his wives in danger, Tengen Uzui couldn't guarantee their safety when facing an Upper Moon.

If Kanae Kocho hadn't volunteered, it would have likely been him going instead.

The Wind Pillar was also an option, but her high mobility made her more useful as a rapid response unit, rushing to various locations rather than staying in one place.

"It's fine," Kanae Kocho said.

Next to arrive were Sabito and Giyu Tomioka. This pair of fellow disciples rarely worked together after becoming Pillars, usually going their separate ways. They only reunited during Pillar Meetings.

The classic "no-brainer and no-happiness" duo.

Kanae Kocho glanced at them, remembering something Li Mo had once said.

She chuckled softly and continued watching the fish in the pond.

"Miss Kocho seems a bit... strange? She looks overly happy," Sabito scratched the back of his head, leaning down to ask his senior sister.

Makomo was a head or two shorter than Sabito, so one had to lean down while the other looked up.

Back then, Sabito had been shorter than her. Now, he was much taller, and even Giyu had grown.

Time flies, and the years pass like a shuttle.

Makomo had grown used to this. In the past, she had to look up at people too, but now the roles had reversed.

"Kanae-chan has been very happy these past few days. It's probably related to the red-light district mission."

Kanae Kocho's unusual behavior had started after returning from the red-light district. Makomo thought it must be related to the Upper Moon. Even the mighty Gyomei Himejima hadn't defeated an Upper Moon, yet Kanae had succeeded.

Makomo didn't doubt it. The Corps Leader had acknowledged her achievement, so it couldn't be false.

She had learned this from Shinobu Kocho.

However, in Makomo's eyes, Shinobu had also been acting strangely lately. During their brief interactions, she noticed Shinobu constantly measuring things—her blood pressure, her heart rate. It seemed like she was quantifying some kind of data.

Makomo didn't dare ask. What if Shinobu was just conducting some research?

Sabito and Giyu Tomioka accepted this answer as a reasonable explanation.

Killing an Upper Moon was worth celebrating, right?

There was no time for further reflection. Soon, the final Pillar, Sanemi Shinazugawa, arrived. The white-haired man first greeted Kanae Kocho, then Gyomei Himejima, before assuming his usual lone wolf demeanor.

With all nine Pillars gathered, the Pillar Meeting was about to begin. Someone had already gone to inform the Corps Leader.

Not much time passed.

As clear footsteps echoed, the Pillars saw two figures emerge and immediately knelt to show their respect.

However, the voice they heard next wasn't the Corps Leader's. Instead, it was a man's voice.

"Uh, Corps Leader. Should I kneel down with them too?"

The tone was slightly awkward.

Everyone looked up.

They saw the full figure of the man standing beside the Corps Leader.

Those who didn't recognize him frowned.

Those who did were speechless.

"Li Mo?!"

The exclamation came from both men and women, all wearing expressions of shock. The only one who remained calm was Sanemi Shinazugawa.

And, of course, Kanae Kocho.

She lowered her head, unable to suppress her smile.