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Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, Ubuyashiki Estate.
Sunlight spilled across the courtyard, where cascading wisteria blossoms hung in clusters, forming a vibrant floral wall that exuded a fresh, elegant fragrance.
"I'm delighted," Kagaya said, a joyful smile gracing his frail face. His gentle gaze swept over the Pillars standing neatly in a row, lingering a moment longer on Giyu, who was finally standing among them.
"It's only been a short time since our last Pillar meeting, yet we gather again because of the unprecedented victories you've achieved."
He turned his wheelchair, bowing slightly to Kaito, who knelt beside him.
"Thank you for your assistance to the Demon Slayer Corps, Mr. Uchiha."
Straightening up, he continued sincerely, "In the short time since your arrival, with your help, five of the twelve Upper Rank demons under Muzan Kibutsuji's command have been defeated. This is the greatest victory the Demon Slayer Corps has achieved since its founding."
He turned to the swordsmen. "I believe the entire Demon Slayer Corps owes you our heartfelt gratitude."
At his cue, the Pillars bowed in unison to Kaito, shouting, "Thank you for your help!!"
"You're too kind, Lord Ubuyashiki. I'm unworthy of such praise," Kaito said with a gentle smile.
"I've merely contributed a small effort, far less than the countless sacrifices made by the Demon Slayer Corps over centuries. You've been silently fighting man-eating demons, protecting the people of this nation in the shadows. I hold the utmost respect for the Demon Slayer Corps—you are all unsung heroes."
"Hahaha!" Kyojuro laughed first. "Hearing you say that truly makes me happy!"
Tengen struck a pose he deemed flamboyant, lifting his chin. "As the flamboyant God of Festivals, I merely do flamboyant things as a matter of course."
The others, less expressive, simply smiled or nodded at Kaito.
Once everyone settled, Kagaya continued, "These days, I've sensed the arrival of a turning point."
His tone was gentle yet filled with firm resolve.
"You are the finest swordsmen the Demon Slayer Corps has seen in years."
He began naming them one by one, from left to right.
"Sound Pillar, Uzui Tengen."
"Flame Pillar, Rengoku Kyojuro."
"Flower Pillar, Kocho Kanae."
"Serpent Pillar, Iguro Obanai."
"Wind Pillar, Shinazugawa Sanemi."
"Rock Pillar, Himejima Gyomei."
"Water Pillar, Tomioka Giyu."
"My beloved swordsmen," Kagaya, though young, looked at the Pillars with a fatherly gaze. "I believe in you. You will defeat Muzan Kibutsuji, break the chains of sorrow, and fulfill the Demon Slayer Corps' centuries-long wish."
All the Pillars knelt on one knee, proclaiming in unison, "We will bring final victory to Lord Ubuyashiki!!"
Kaito watched the scene, a smile on his face.
He had to admit, this secretive organization protecting the people gave him feelings he'd never experienced before.
"I feel your determination and look forward to the day we celebrate victory together. Now, let's discuss our next steps," Kagaya's voice rang out again.
"Mr. Uchiha," he said, turning to him, "please explain the arrangements you've made."
"Thank you for your trust," Kaito said, nodding to Ubuyashiki before addressing the swordsmen standing in the courtyard.
"Mr. Uzui and Mr. Iguro are likely the most familiar with my original plan."
The two nodded.
Tengen spoke up, "I've already sent a Kasugai Crow to inform Lord Ubuyashiki and everyone of the details."
"My initial plan was to use a crystal infused with spiritual energy to lure out Muzan Kibutsuji, but unexpected events kept occurring," Kaito said with a hint of regret.
"While staying in the mountains, I unintentionally saved a villager named Tokito Ichirou. When I visited his home to treat his wife, a demon discovered me."
The Pillars, already aware of the general events, listened quietly as he continued.
"To avoid endangering the innocent Tokito family, I sought Lord Ubuyashiki's help to relocate them. But I didn't expect Muzan to act so quickly, sending two Upper Rank demons on the day of their move."
He shook his head helplessly.
"I faced Upper Rank One, Kokushibo. To defeat him quickly and provide support elsewhere, I had to use all three thousand of my sunlight-infused talismans at once to end the fight swiftly."
Three thousand!
The Pillars, having witnessed the power of his talismans, widened their eyes, imagining the spectacle of three thousand talismans erupting.
"As you can imagine, Muzan will likely go into hiding now, just as he did after being defeated by the original Sun Breathing swordsman," Kagaya added, continuing Kaito's words.
"Humans have limited lifespans, while demons live indefinitely. Unafraid of time, he waits for those who threaten him to pass before reemerging."
"But my ghostly nature might give him some trouble," Kaito said playfully.
"Perhaps he's already furious," Kagaya said with a smile.
"Mr. Uchiha!" Obanai spoke up. "That said, you must have another way to track him down, right?"
The others looked at Kaito with hopeful eyes.
He nodded confidently, explaining to the excited group, "I conducted experiments with the Upper Rank Six siblings I captured. Before fully dealing with them, as an extra precaution, I used the blood of Muzan within their bodies to cast a curse."
"Is it a curse to locate Muzan?" Sanemi asked excitedly.
Kaito nodded again.
Seeing their thrilled expressions, he cautioned, "However, this puts us in a cat-and-mouse game with Muzan. He has many spies, and while I can roughly track him, he can also escape quickly."
"Tch!" Sanemi gripped his Nichirin Blade tightly, frustrated. "You're right—that disgusting rat loves scurrying around!"
"And," Kaito added a new piece of information, "based on my curse's feedback, Muzan Kibutsuji's location has been moving erratically lately. I suspect he may have a demon under his command with the ability to manipulate space."