Chapter 60: The Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps
[TL/N: Read my new work - Detective Conan: I'm a Succubus?!]
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Nanashi had a realization.
If he ever became a god in the future, he must never rely on the power of faith.
Even across different worlds, faith still had a hold on Aqua, limiting her abilities.
It was proof of how difficult it was to sever the ties of belief once established.
For him—
That was a trap best avoided.
Returning to the matter at hand, he spoke up.
"If that's the case, we'll need the Demon Slayer Corps' help to lure Muzan out."
A plan had already formed in his mind.
His gaze shifted toward Shinobu.
"Kocho—"
"Nanashi-kun, just call me Shinobu."
She interrupted, offering a rare smile.
Nanashi chuckled. "Alright, Shinobu. Can you contact the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps?"
Shinobu raised an eyebrow.
"The Lord? As expected, you know quite a lot about this world."
She sighed but nodded in agreement.
"Understood. I'll inform him."
Summoning her crow, she relayed the necessary information.
Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters – Hashira Meeting
At the courtyard of the Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters—
All the Hashiras were gathered.
A meeting had been suddenly called.
"Why isn't Shinobu-chan here?"
The ever-enthusiastic Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, scanned the area, realizing that only eight of the Nine Hashiras were present.
Shinobu was missing.
"Hmph, how disrespectful."
The voice was laced with disapproval.
It came from Iguro Obanai, the Serpent Hashira, wrapped in his signature bandages, with his white snake coiling around his neck.
"Hahaha! Maybe she has important news and is on her way!"
A booming laugh followed, filled with unwavering passion and energy.
It belonged to Rengoku Kyojuro, the Flame Hashira—his thick eyebrows and fiery spirit burning as bright as ever.
"Even so, no excuse justifies being late."
The next voice belonged to Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira, a man obsessed with flashiness and extravagance.
Three of them, however, remained aloof.
The Mist Hashira, Tokito Muichiro, sat distantly, eyes empty, seemingly lost in thought.
The Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, stood cold and silent, his expression unreadable.
The Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, remained kneeling, hands clasped together, murmuring "Amitabha."
And then—
A sharp scoff came from Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira.
His scarred face twisted in irritation.
"Tch, whatever the reason, nothing is more important than the Lord's words. Those who are late should be punished."
A gentle yet firm voice immediately responded from within the inner chamber.
"Sanemi, you shouldn't criticize your comrades so harshly."
The room fell silent.
Their Lord had arrived.
The Hashiras immediately dropped to one knee in respect.
From within the chamber—
A blind man with long black hair and scarred, corroded skin emerged, walking slowly with the assistance of his wife, Ubuyashiki Amane.
This was Kagaya Ubuyashiki—the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.
His voice was gentle, carrying an almost hypnotic warmth.
Even the hot-blooded Rengoku and the quick-tempered Shinazugawa found themselves calming down in his presence.
But more than anything—
Their respect for him was absolute.
Ubuyashiki's soft gaze swept over them before speaking.
"Please, stand."
The Hashiras rose silently, refraining from asking any questions.
They knew—
If a meeting had been called, something important was about to be announced.
And then—
Kagaya Ubuyashiki delivered his first statement.
"Shinobu encountered Upper Moon Two, Douma."
"What?!"
The Hashiras stiffened in shock.
Shinobu had encountered an Upper Moon?
The Demon Slayer Corps had not successfully killed an Upper Rank in a long time.
Mitsuri Kanroji's face paled with concern.
"Shinobu-chan… Is she alright?"
Her absence suddenly felt ominous.
Was she injured?
Or worse—
Had she… fallen?
The other Hashiras exchanged sharp glances, their intensity unified.
Despite their differences, they all shared one belief—
Demons must be eradicated.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki noticed their silent unity and let out a soft smile.
And then—
He spoke again.
"Upper Rank Two, Douma, is dead."
"..."
Total Silence
For a moment—
No one spoke.
And then—
"!!!"
The reaction was explosive.
This news was even more shocking than Shinobu encountering an Upper Moon.
The Twelve Demon Moons were the strongest demons in existence, second only to Muzan Kibutsuji himself.
Among them—
The Upper Ranks were leagues beyond the Lower Ranks.
The higher the rank, the stronger the demon.
Upper Rank Two was one of the most powerful beings in the demon hierarchy.
And now—
He was dead?!
Mitsuri clasped her hands together, relieved.
"So Shinobu-chan is safe… But…"
Sanemi's sharp gaze flickered.
"Who the hell managed to take down Upper Rank Two?"
Could it have been Shinobu alone?
But that didn't seem possible.
They all knew Shinobu's strengths and weaknesses.
Her poison was deadly—
But her physical strength wasn't enough to cut off the head of an Upper Moon.
Could her poison really have done the job?
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's next words answered their questions.
"It was not Shinobu who killed Douma."
Sanemi narrowed his eyes.
"Then who did?"
Ubuyashiki paused, as if choosing his words carefully.
Truthfully, even he didn't know much.
Shinobu had only shared limited information.
But—
She had mentioned one name.
A name that might hold the key to finally eradicating Muzan Kibutsuji.
But before he could say the name, a commotion caught their attention.
"NANASHI! YOU BASTARD! YOU REALLY LEFT ME BEHIND?!"
A voice screamed from above.
All the Hashiras looked up.
A figure was rapidly descending from the sky.
"DIDN'T YOU SAY YOU COULD FLY?!"
Another angry voice followed.
And then—
With a loud impact—
A group of four figures landed.
Nanashi.
Lemuel.
Esdeath.
And—
A very angry Aqua.
The moment they landed—
The Hashiras reacted instantly.
"Who goes there?!"
In a blink—
The Sun Blades were drawn, and the Hashiras surrounded them in perfect formation.
The Demon Slayer Corps' strongest warriors stood ready for battle.