Chapter 271: The Stone Hashira Becomes a Player Too?
"Is this... an illusion?"
Shinobu Kocho didn't sense anything at first, but two seconds later, her violet eyes were filled with disbelief.
"No, it's not an illusion. There's a power flowing through my body?"
Ordinary people would hardly notice a slight increase in [Health Regeneration Speed].
If it had been the Flame or Wind Hashira, they might've chalked it up to the warm, comfortable feeling after eating an extra bowl or two of rice for breakfast.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki could detect it clearly because he had long been tormented by illness, always on the brink of death. It was like a gravely wounded man sensing a sudden improvement in his condition.
As for Shinobu,
she was the most knowledgeable in medicine among the Hashira. Often experimenting on herself, she developed many poisons and antidotes for slaying demons.
So, after a short experience, she too could feel that steady flow of recovery.
"Indeed. This is the power of the gods' blessing."
When the starter iron sword had been passed around,
only the Wind Hashira could feel anything. The others didn't.
Especially Rengoku—despite his loud voice, he didn't sense anything and thought Shinobu and the master were playing a joke on them.
Not that it was their fault.
After all, the improvements from a starter weapon were marginal.
For warriors like Rengoku and Tengen Uzui, who had naturally strong physiques, it was hard to feel such subtle enhancements.
Sanemi only noticed because of his rare blood and unique body.
Shinobu excitedly asked, "Is this some new forging technique from the swordsmiths?"
Among the Hashira, she had the weakest physical strength. She couldn't decapitate demons directly with her Nichirin blade and relied on poisons and piercing techniques instead.
If this sword was a prototype developed by a master swordsmith,
then maybe—
if the technique matured—it could amplify the physical capabilities of weaker swordsmen like herself.
Such a revolutionary forging technique
could indeed be seen as a divine blessing.
The other Hashira, hearing her explanation, all regarded the sword with renewed seriousness.
They understood its significance: a weapon that sped up recovery could reduce casualties among Demon Slayers!
"There's no swordsmith involved,"
Kagaya said, shaking his head. "This starter sword was given to me after I accepted an invitation to something called the Reincarnation Game."
Weapons like this one
were the lowest tier in the game's arsenal, and they already held such power.
Stronger gear could fully arm the Demon Slayer Corps. If that happened, even the Upper Moons and Muzan Kibutsuji himself would be overwhelmed.
In his calm and clear voice, Kagaya explained what he had seen in the Reincarnation Game.
The sudden shift in conversation left even the upbeat Rengoku stunned.
The most they had imagined was a new forging method.
And now the master was talking about a "Reincarnation Game?" How were they supposed to process this?
Just then,
a towering figure ran into the courtyard.
Upon sensing the other Hashira, he paused, then respectfully bowed to Kagaya.
"It has been a long time. I humbly pray that your light of life burns brighter than ever, Master."
It was the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima.
Master of the Stone Breathing technique. Oldest among the Hashira.
Famed as the strongest swordsman of the current generation.
"Gyomei?"
Kagaya was surprised.
Wasn't Gyomei on a mission in a distant town, dealing with a man-eating demon?
If he made it back this quickly, he must have set out last night.
He should've been gone a long time.
"Master, I took the night train back. I have something strange to report."
Gyomei had returned on his own,
not because he'd received word from Kiriya Ubuyashiki.
Usually, unless there was a Hashira meeting, the nine Hashira operated in the field. Frequent returns to headquarters risked exposing their secret base.
That's why the Hashira gathered only twice a year.
Now, however, it wasn't time for the meeting.
And yet four Hashira were here.
Gyomei wondered—had they encountered something similar to what he had?
"Something strange?"
Kagaya's expression sharpened.
The strangest thing he'd encountered recently was the Reincarnation Game. Could it be that Gyomei had received an invitation too?
He wasn't arrogant enough to think the invitation was meant for him alone.
Surely there were others.
"Please take a look, Master."
Gyomei knelt and took out a pitch-black invitation.
It had appeared at his feet.
Though blind for years, Gyomei could vaguely make out a shadowy outline, using his acute hearing and breathing techniques.
Ordinarily, he'd have dismissed it.
But something about this invitation called to him—like a lamp flickering in the dark.
He couldn't look away.
Picking it up, words had echoed in his mind—offering him the chance to fulfill any wish.
Stunned and uneasy, Gyomei had immediately returned to report to the master.
"You received one too?"
Kagaya nodded.
He couldn't physically touch this invitation; it was unique to Gyomei and born of his will.
Gyomei blinked. It sounded like the master already knew about it.
"Master, did you…?"
"Yes."
Kagaya smiled. He was glad.
Another player in the game—and one as powerful and grounded as the Stone Hashira.
He said warmly, "I've already become a player in the Reincarnation Game. Don't worry, Gyomei. It's not dangerous. For us, it's the best weapon we have against Muzan Kibutsuji."
With those words, Gyomei had no hesitation.
He used the invitation.
In an instant, he vanished from sight.
"He's gone!"
Rengoku's eyes widened like an owl's.
He might not have sensed the sword's magic,
but watching someone disappear in broad daylight?
Even Sanemi, the Wind Hashira, gaped.
He'd seen street performers vanish into boxes or behind curtains.
But Gyomei had vanished right in front of them—no props, no tricks.
Only Blood Demon Arts could explain something like that.
"Everyone, please be patient."
Kagaya smiled, then pressed his fingers to his lips.
The Hashira immediately quieted down.
Two hours passed.
It had been just before dawn when the Hashira had arrived. Now it was midday.
Kagaya's wife, the white-haired Amane, prepared food.
While Rengoku devoured his meal with gusto—
Gyomei suddenly reappeared.
Clang!
Rengoku drew his Nichirin blade on instinct.
The other Hashira were also instantly on guard.
But when sunlight touched Gyomei's body, they relaxed and sheathed their swords.
Everyone knew—
demons couldn't survive in the sun.
Even if Gyomei had used a Blood Demon Art, he wasn't burned. The suspicion vanished.
"Master!"
"I can hardly believe it. This is a divine miracle!"
Gyomei fell to his knees, pressing his hands together.
Tears streamed from his blind eyes.
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