When Tanjiro regained consciousness, the ceiling of the Butterfly Mansion came into his view.
Recently, Tanjiro, who was recuperating in the Butterfly Mansion, had become a big celebrity in the Demon Slayer Corps.
As one of only two Demon Slayers who had fought and successfully killed an Upper Rank demon, Tanjiro had privately been given the title of 'Upper Rank Slayer' by his fellow corps members.
The Forest Hashira was too high in position for other ordinary corps members to bother.
But the others had no such reservations about Tanjiro.
After all, Tanjiro was still at about the same level as everyone else, just a Kinoe-ranked.
Although he might be promoted soon, it hadn't happened yet, right?
So these days, Demon Slayers came in an endless stream to the Butterfly Mansion under the pretext of visiting Tanjiro to hear his stories.
This severely disrupted the normal operations of the already understaffed Butterfly Mansion, forcing Kanzaki Aoi, who was in charge of logistics, to strictly limit visitors to ten people per day.
Tanjiro himself was probably quite bewildered too, wondering why so many unfamiliar demonslayers suddenly came to visit him.
Right now, Tanjiro was recounting his battle experience for what must have been the hundred time.
"That Upper Rank Five was really powerful, and it could control a huge number of bizarre fish monsters. If it wasn't for Shinichi-senpai, I wouldn't have even been able to touch it," Tanjiro sighed to the wide-eyed Demon Slayers in front of him.
"Is that so? As expected of Forest Hashira-sama, always so reliable. It's especially reassuring when carrying out missions with the Forest Hashira" a young Demon Slayer with freckles on his face said earnestly.
"Ugh, you're such a bootlicker. the Forest Hashira isn't even here, no one can hear you," another Demon Slayer said with a grimace.
"I'm not bootlicking! I really think that way!"
"By the way, Tanjiro, didn't you say you also encountered some very good demons this time? Is that true?"
Hearing this, Tanjiro paused for a moment, but after a while, he nodded firmly.
"Yes, actually, there are demons in this world who are kind-hearted. However, I promised Tamayo-san that I wouldn't casually reveal her whereabouts. I can only say that Tamayo-san and that, um, demon lady in gray clothes are both good people. Shinichi-senpai knows them too and he has a very good relationship with them."
"Wow, really? I knew it, it was because Shinichi-sama is so handsome, he must be super popular with girls. I just didn't expect even female demons to like Shinichi-sama!" A female corps member's eyes were practically sparkling with heart-shaped bubbles.
"Yes, but I think Tengen-sama is very handsome too, just a bit exaggerated in his speech and actions."
"The Mist Hashira and Maple Hashira are both so cute too. They're so small, yet so strong, and they're twins with such contrasting styles. Ah! Just thinking about it makes me love them!"
"Doesn't anyone think Wind Hashira is not that bad? Um, although he's always angry for some reason."
Somehow, the originally serious topic was suddenly derailed by several female corps members.
Watching them argue about which Hashira was the most handsome and popular, Tanjiro and the male corps members looked at each other, not daring to interrupt them.
"A bunch of simping girls! Stop dreaming! Give up your fantasies!"
"Kotsuki! You're too much! We're just thinking, we're not doing anything!"
Tanjiro awkwardly raised his hand and said softly, "Um, senpais, could you please calm down? This is the Butterfly Mansion, and there are many teammates resting here. It's not good to be so noisy."
Other injured Demon Slayers: 'We don't mind! This scene is super entertaining!'
Pat!
Before Tanjiro could say anything more, a pair of soft hands gently rested on his shoulders, and a gentle whisper came to his ear.
"Hey, Tanjiro-kun, who did you just say Shinichi-kun has a good relationship with?"
"Huh?" Tanjiro turned back in surprise, meeting a pair of slightly dark violet eyes.
*****
Meanwhile.
"Achoo!"
Shinichi frowned and rubbed his nose in confusion.
Why did he suddenly sneeze? Could it be that even with his constitution, he could catch a cold?
However, Shinichi quickly put this matter out of his mind, because the figures sitting in front of him now were all staring at him intently.
The Stone Hashira, Sound Hashira, Water Hashira, Flame Hashira, Wind Hashira and his disciple the Maple Pillar, plus himself - basically all the Hashiras who didn't have missions had gathered here.
The purpose of this gathering was simple: to discuss how to deal with the Upper Ranks.
As the one who had fought two Upper Ranks and successfully killed Upper Rank Five, Shinichi naturally took the lead role.
In addition, Giyu Tomioka, who had fought Upper Rank Three also had a lot to say.
Upper Rank Five Gyokko had already been slain, so Shinichi didn't spend too much time on it, only focusing on describing Gyokko's specific abilities in detail.
Then the main topic turned to Upper Rank Three Akaza and Upper Rank Two Doma.
"Gyokko's strength is not on the same level as Doma's at all. If it's just Gyokko, as long as we're cautious enough, it wouldn't be too difficult for one of us Hashira to slay it. But Doma is different. His strength has transcended normal boundaries. In a one-on-one situation, I'm afraid the strength of us Hashiras wouldn't be enough. I believe Giyu should be very clear about this."
Giyu nodded and said with a calm expression, "Shinichi is right. If it wasn't for the intervention of another powerful demon, I would probably have died in the battle with Upper Rank Three at that time. Upper Rank Three is very powerful. His strength, speed, and regenerative ability are all unimaginably terrifying."
Hearing Shinichi and Giyu's words, Sanemi Shinazugawa seemed a bit displeased.
Is it really that exaggerated?
"Damn it, I'd like to see whether these guys' necks are harder or my Nichirin Sword is harder!"
Gyomei Himejima put his hands together, recited a Buddhist chant, and then said.
"Namu Amida Butsu. Sanemi, don't underestimate the enemy. The strength of the Upper Ranks is undeniable, otherwise, our Demon Slayer Corps wouldn't have failed to slay a single Upper Rank for hundreds of years."
Rengoku sat up straight.
Due to his damaged eardrums, his hearing had deteriorated severely, so he couldn't hear his companions' conversations clearly.
Therefore, he loudly interrupted the conversation.
"So! Are we going to team up to slay the Upper Ranks?"
Hearing this, everyone turned to look at Kyojuro.
Tengen Uzui propped up his forehead and said loudly, "Team up? It's not a bad idea, but those Upper Ranks haven't revealed their whereabouts and we have a limited number of Hashira. Teaming up can't be considered a good idea, it lacks a bit of flashiness."
As the youngest Hashira present, Yuichiro Tokito didn't know what to say.
For Yuichiro, if he didn't know what to do, he would just ask for his master's opinion!
So Yuichiro simply didn't express any opinion.
Shinichi sighed.
This was also what gave him a headache.
It was really difficult to find demons lurking in the shadows.
Even though they had information on the Upper Ranks, as long as those Upper Ranks didn't show themselves, the Demon Slayer Corps couldn't do anything about them for the time being.
"Let's not talk about this. Next, let's discuss in detail the abilities of Upper Rank Two and Upper Rank Three. This way, if any of us encounter them in the future, we won't be helpless" Shinichi cleared his throat and continued.
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