For the first time in over four hundred years, the Demon Slayer Corps had obtained a lead on Kibutsuji Muzan.
If they could act without alerting him and mobilize all the Hashira, even Muzan would have no choice but to submit — he couldn't possibly fend off all the Hashira at once.
Urokodaki Sakonji was overwhelmed with excitement.
Under Kawanishi's watchful gaze, Urokodaki quickly prepared a letter, writing it carefully at his desk.
Once finished, he solemnly placed it into a small bamboo tube, stood up, and walked to the doorway. He pressed two fingers to his mouth.
Drawing a calm breath, he blew air between the narrow gap between his fingers, producing a sharp, penetrating whistle.
"Screee!"
The sound was reminiscent of the one Shinobu Kocho used to summon crows.
Sure enough, a pitch-black Kasugai crow soon arrived, landing on Urokodaki's shoulder.
He carefully tied the bamboo tube to the crow's leg, then produced a few green beans from somewhere to feed it.
"Old friend, deliver this to the Master."
"Perhaps, in our lifetimes, we may witness the end of this thousand-year struggle between the Demon Slayer Corps and Muzan..."
"We might even take part in this battle that could decide the fate of the world. My fellow retired comrades and I may still have a chance to contribute once more."
"Make haste, treat this as urgent."
The crow swallowed the beans one by one, then affectionately nuzzled Urokodaki's hand.
"Leave it to me… leave it to me… caw caw caw…"
With a few flaps of its wings, the crow soared into the night.
After completing this, Urokodaki turned to face Kawanishi, who was silently observing.
Solemnly, sensing Kawanishi's hesitation, Urokodaki said:
"I've mentioned you in the letter. The Master may invite you to the Demon Slayer Corps to explain everything."
"Please… trust me, and trust the Master."
Kawanishi: "......"
This sounds exactly like what Shinobu said...
She wanted me to go to the Demon Slayer Corps, and now so does Urokodaki.
But unlike Shinobu, Urokodaki's tone was sincere, without any hint of ulterior motive.
Kawanishi hesitated:
"I'll consider it."
Urokodaki didn't press him. He was perceptive enough to understand Kawanishi's concerns.
Both Kawanishi and Tanjiro, like himself, possessed an acute sense of smell that allowed them to read others' emotions.
Kawanishi could sense his sincerity — but trusting him didn't mean he would trust everyone in the Corps.
How would the Corps view the Kamado family?
It would take great courage for him to visit them.
At this thought, Kawanishi asked:
"Have you told the Corps about Tanjiro and Nezuko?"
Urokodaki shook his head.
"No. I've never reported it."
He preferred not to bother the Master with such matters unless absolutely necessary.
Right now, his priority was persuading Kawanishi to meet with the Corps. Hearing directly from Kawanishi would allow the Master to better judge the situation and act accordingly.
If Muzan can be eliminated quickly… perhaps the Master's frail body may endure a little longer...
The Ubuyashiki family has already sacrificed so much...
After a brief pause, Urokodaki suddenly asked:
"Kawanishi, do you know why I wear this mask?"
There was a strange tone in his voice.
Kawanishi hesitated:
"Because… you're too ugly? You don't want to show your face?"
Urokodaki silently walked over to the sword rack and rested his hand on the hilt of his Nichirin Blade. His voice grew dangerous:
"Such a sweet talker, aren't you? Shall we go outside for a little sparring match?"
Kawanishi quickly waved his hands:
"Calm down, calm down! I was just joking."
Urokodaki had always carried an air of strictness. Combined with his fierce tengu mask, his presence was undeniably intimidating.
Letting go of his sword, Urokodaki leaned against the rack and said:
"Actually, you're not wrong. It is indeed because of my appearance."
Kawanishi was surprised:
"You mean… you really are too ugly?"
Clang!
The Nichirin Blade flashed out of its sheath.
"If you can't say anything nice, say nothing at all."
Kawanishi chuckled:
"Yes, yes, I'll shut up. Please, continue."
Though Urokodaki was strict, Kawanishi couldn't help but joke around with him. Perhaps because Urokodaki felt like a true elder figure, Kawanishi naturally let his guard down.
Setting the sword down again, Urokodaki sighed:
"Forget it. See for yourself."
Under Kawanishi's curious gaze, Urokodaki reached for his tengu mask.
Bit by bit, he removed it — revealing his true face.
Kawanishi's eyes widened in surprise.
He had imagined many possibilities: hideous, strikingly handsome, terrifying, sinister, or even completely expressionless…
But he never expected this.
"(⊙o⊙)"
Before him was a round, fair face. Though lined with age, it still looked lively.
Under his gently arched brows, his eyes naturally curved into what seemed like a constant smile. His lips curled ever so slightly, giving him an eternally pleasant expression.
He looked like the very embodiment of kindness — though this was merely his natural appearance, not reflective of his strict personality.
Kawanishi blurted out:
"You look... very approachable."
Anyone seeing his face would instinctively think:
What a kind, gentle, easygoing old man.
Yet from their conversations, Kawanishi knew Urokodaki was quite the serious person — and this stark contrast was jarring.
Urokodaki said calmly:
"Now you see why I wear the mask."
"A person's appearance influences how others perceive them. That's something unavoidable and unchangeable."
"Even if I don't mind it, sometimes I must alter my appearance for the sake of convenience."
Urokodaki was born with this gentle-looking face. While he didn't personally care, demons often mocked him for it during battle.
His old comrades also never missed a chance to tease him.
After becoming a trainer, he donned the fierce tengu mask to better instill discipline in his students, ensuring they grew strong enough to survive against demons.
Appearances, indeed, made a difference.
(End of chapter)