Since Kuno came to see me, he must have already gathered information about me.
Even though he was the head of the Ubuyashiki Clan, he still had to address me as "Sir" with proper respect, considering my position and background in the Shogunate.
"The fact that you're not surprised to see me means that you know quite a bit about me, the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons," Kuno said with a measured smile.
"You want to know how I can kill a demon with an ordinary samurai sword?
"Please enlighten us," Kuno asked.
Kuno and his wife bowed deeply, their foreheads touching the ground in reverence.
"The blade itself is ordinary," Oboro explained casually. "It can kill demons because of an innate ability I possess that has nothing to do with breathing techniques. I'm afraid this power cannot be passed on or taught to others."
"I see."
Kuno raised his head and studied Oboro with a calm, sharp look. "I may not understand your abilities or your extraordinary constitution, but the fact that you can kill demons is proof enough of your strength. That's why I'm here, and I sincerely hope that you will consider joining our Demon Slayer Corps."
"You want me to join the Demon Slayer Corps?"
Oboro's expression changed to something that almost resembled a smile, but not quite.
The Ubuyashiki clan had managed to maintain the Demon Slayer Corps against Muzan for generations. They certainly possessed remarkable skills.
Even if the current leader couldn't match the courage and intellect of the future Ubuyashiki Kagaya, he wasn't far behind. Kuno had detected the hidden meaning in Oboro's words and sensed that he was hiding truths about demon slaying, but he didn't press the issue.
Instead, he offered an alternative path of cooperation with the Corps, demonstrating patience rather than desperation.
Since his arrival in this period, Oboro had been gathering information from the Shogunate. Throughout the Edo period, Muzan and his subordinates had committed atrocities with alarming frequency, showing little caution.
This indicated that the Demon Slayer Corps was at a severe disadvantage in their ongoing conflict.
The arrogance of the demons remained unchecked, suggesting that the Corps had been overwhelmed by Muzan's forces since Tsugaru Kuniyoshi's death.
The nine Hashira of the future generations would truly earn their reputation as the strongest iteration of the Demon Slayer Corps.
The current Corps was far too weak in comparison.
"I have no interest in demons," Oboro said flatly. "There is no hatred or connection between us. Slaying demons has always been the responsibility of your Demon Slayer Corps, I won't interfere. And as you can see, my health is failing. I don't have much time left, so I must disappoint you."
"Please lend us your strength," Kuno begged. "Our Ubuyashiki clan is not important, but the members of the Demon Slayer Corps are only children. They are constantly facing death in their hunt for demons. If we allow Muzan Kibutsuji to continue his rampage, countless more will perish."
Kuno bowed his head again. "If you agree to help the Demon Slayer Corps, I, Ubuyashiki Kuno, will do everything in my power to fulfill any conditions you set."
Why did Liu Yuan run into the Oborosha Demon? Was it really a coincidence?
The moment he saw Oboro, Ubuyashiki Kuno knew the answer: It was not.
It wasn't Kuno who had sought out Oboro, it was Oboro who had arranged for Kuno to come.
When he had mentioned Muzan Kibutsuji's name, Oboro's reaction had been tellingly calm.
This gentleman was undoubtedly exceptional.
"Any conditions? Including replacing you?" Oboro's question hung in the air and the room fell silent.
"Your Excellency misunderstands," Kuno replied carefully. "Our Ubuyashiki clan does not stand above other members of the Demon Slayer Corps, nor are we leaders in the traditional sense. It's only through collective recognition that we're allowed to assist the Corps in this way. Strictly speaking, our clan has no higher status than anyone else within the organization. However, if Your Excellency wishes to join as a 'commander', it would be necessary to convince everyone."
He spoke truthfully. The Demon Slayer Corps had endured over the years because of their shared vision and cohesiveness.
In essence, no one, not even Oboro, could replace the position of the Ubuyashiki Clan.
Only they could unite all the members of the Corps as one, united by their collective hatred for Muzan.
This was the true strength of the Ubuyashiki Clan.
Only those with extraordinary determination could take on such a responsibility.
Kuno was not surprised by Oboro's question. As a retainer of the Shogunate and a high-ranking official of the Bugyosho, he naturally judged situations through the lens of power and authority.
In truth, Oboro had merely tested him.
Outside the door, a maid entered carrying several books, which she placed between them.
"Take these," Oboro instructed.
"Hmm?"
Kuno's eyes flickered with interest.
"This is my understanding of breathing methods," Oboro explained with a slight smile. "If you share this knowledge within the Demon Slayer Corps, it will be my small contribution to your cause."
The books contained several basic breathing techniques that Oboro had mastered, along with variations he'd developed after experiencing the Breath of the Sun. Though far less profound than what he'd taught Kamado Tanjuro, they could still be of great use to Hashira-level swordsmen.
Upon hearing this, Kuno realized that it would be impossible to convince Oboro to join the Corps.
He couldn't help but feel disappointed.
"Chiyoko, show our guests out," Oboro called.
"Yes, sir."
The maid nodded and gestured to the couple. "Please, follow me."
The two slowly rose, bowed deeply to Oboro once more and then left together.
Later, as he stood on the street and looked at Oboro's residence, Ubuyashiki sighed. "What a pity."
This remarkable gentleman was still young, but his failing health had caused him to refuse their request.
Had it not been for his illness, they might have succeeded.
Near the end of his own life, Kuno decided not to disturb Oboro's "peace.
It was his way of respecting life itself.
The seeds of power need time to gradually germinate, and the collision of equal forces provides the richest soil for growth. If the Demon Slayer Corps were immediately given unparalleled breathing techniques, they would inevitably inflict heavy losses on Muzan's faction, perhaps even endangering Muzan himself.
The power would lose its purpose and wither away.
Therefore, Oboro had deliberately summoned the Ubuyashiki Clan, giving them just enough advantage to reverse their long-standing disadvantage and begin to gain the upper hand.
However, in order to truly strengthen this world's power structure and shed its "lower world" classification, the one who needed help the most was actually Muzan.
The reason was simple: chaos gives birth to powerful forces.
As Muzan grew stronger, his influence on the world would gradually increase, forcing more talented young swordsmen to emerge as a counterbalance. The very nature of this world could eventually change.
Oboro looked at the sky beyond his door. "The pressure of external threats drives evolution, and evolution is always accompanied by pain."