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With the battle plan set, the Demon Slayer Corps sprang into action.
At the suggestion of the Rock Pillar, Gyomei, the Corps began consolidating its members' operational range. Swordsmen were recalled to prepare for intensive training led by the Pillars.
Meanwhile, Kazuki was poring over the Ubuyashiki clan's extensive archive of historical documents.
These records chronicled the Demon Slayer Corps' centuries-long history, a testament to the relentless efforts and sacrifices of generations of demon hunters.
Among them, the concept of the "Demon Slayer Mark" caught his attention.
According to the records, swordsmen who awakened the Mark experienced a dramatic enhancement in physical abilities, rivaling even those of demons.
As a result, a Marked swordsman's strength would see a significant boost.
However, this immense power came at a steep cost: no Marked swordsman lived past the age of twenty-five.
Moreover, when one swordsman in an era awakened the Mark, their companions would often follow suit, as if it were contagious.
"It's like overdrawing their life force," Kazuki remarked, setting down the documents and turning to Kagaya, who sat nearby.
"It's said that in the era of the original Breathing swordsman, all the Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps eventually awakened the Mark," Kagaya said gravely. "However, the method to awaken it has been completely lost to history."
"Should we have the swordsmen attempt to awaken the Mark?" Kazuki asked after a moment of thought. "I might have a way to mitigate its drawbacks."
"This…" Kagaya hesitated, visibly conflicted.
"Logically, as the commander, I should stake everything on achieving final victory. But… with your help, I can't bear to rob these children of their futures."
"Lord Ubuyashiki!" Gyomei's voice came from outside.
"To defeat Muzan, we must give our all. No matter the method, even if it only slightly increases our chances, we must try."
He pushed open the door and entered, hands clasped in prayer. "Namu Amida Butsu. We have long been prepared. Without such resolve, one cannot become a Pillar."
Tears streamed from his eyes, his towering, robust frame radiating unyielding determination.
"Gyomei?" Kagaya's expression grew complex. "Is this what everyone thinks?"
"Without a doubt, Lord Ubuyashiki," Gyomei replied, kneeling on one knee.
At that moment, the other Pillars outside and in the courtyard followed suit, kneeling in unison.
"Lord Ubuyashiki, please allow Mr. Uchiha to help the Pillars awaken the Mark."
Kazuki looked at Gyomei, the only Pillar who hadn't asked him about the souls of the departed by his side.
This Rock Pillar, scarred by past experiences and unable to trust children, was constantly surrounded by the spirits of young ones.
"Please, sir, help Mr. Gyomei fulfill his wish!"
"No! I don't want Mr. Gyomei to die!!"
"No, please tell Mr. Gyomei that the monster Sayo was talking about wasn't him! It was the demon that disappeared nearby! The police misunderstood!!"
"Mr. Gyomei is the best! It's all because Sayo couldn't explain clearly!"
"…"
Even now, these children were arguing among themselves, imperceptible to Gyomei.
Kazuki met their eyes and gave an apologetic smile.
Since Gyomei hadn't asked directly, he wouldn't interfere.
Perhaps Gyomei himself wasn't ready to face these children.
"From what I've learned, the original Sun Breathing swordsman, Tsugikuni Yoriichi, was born with both the Mark and the Transparent World," Kazuki said, sharing information he had deliberately gathered from the Underworld.
"Among Marked swordsmen, he was the only one to live past eighty, an exception."
"Born with the Mark and Transparent World, reaching a supreme state unattainable for most in a lifetime—what a genius," Gyomei said, tears flowing.
"How tragic, the story of Mr. Tsugikuni. Even one favored by the gods couldn't kill Muzan. Namu Amida Butsu."
"Favored by the gods?" Kazuki's tone grew odd. "After learning about that swordsman's life, I can't say whether it was favor or a curse."
The child of the gods led a life of displacement from childhood. The fleeting moments of warmth he found were always lost quickly. His eighty-plus years were filled with his twin brother's jealousy and regret for failing to kill Muzan. Despite his noble and untainted character, he never found happiness.
It was as if he was born with a mission but was punished for failing to fulfill it.
In his final moments, encountering his brother, now Upper Rank One Kokushibo, he managed only a single, astonishing strike before passing, his body later desecrated by the deeply resentful Kokushibo.
Kazuki sighed inwardly at these thoughts.
Fortunately, as someone who also believed he bore a mission, he had successfully sacrificed Kaguya Otsutsuki and Isshiki Otsutsuki, rebuilding the Underworld.
He would never face a fate as desolate as Tsugikuni Yoriichi's.
Setting aside his musings, he shared his thoughts with Kagaya.
"I've uncovered why that swordsman, despite bearing the Mark, lived to old age. I may have a way to address the Mark's drawbacks, so you needn't worry too much, Lord Ubuyashiki. If everyone's strength can be enhanced, our chances in battle will improve."
In truth, Kazuki didn't think it was strictly necessary for the Pillars to awaken the Mark.
With his full power, dealing with Muzan wouldn't be an issue.
But he saw it as an opportunity to grant these admirable people a chance.
"Lord Ubuyashiki!!"
"Please grant your approval!!"
The Pillars outside began pleading as well.
"I've received everyone's resolve," Kagaya said, finally nodding. "In that case, I entrust this to you, Mr. Uchiha."
"No need for formalities," Kazuki replied with a smile, as it was a suggestion born of his own interest.
His gaze swept over the Pillars, noting their resolute eyes, and he smiled subtly.
"Rest assured, I'm confident in making this proposal. Once a special guest arrives, we can begin training to awaken the Mark."