Soon.
A brief Pillar Meeting was quickly convened.
Since Tsugikuni Yoriichi had not yet appeared, Ubuyashiki Kagaya concisely explained what had happened last night.
This included the squad's ambush, Yoriichi's appearance, the death of a Lower Moon, and the death of an Upper Moon...
These four simple events could be broken down into countless smaller details, such as the swordsmen's revival and demons turning into humans.
Upon hearing this, everyone present was deeply affected.
Some found it hard to imagine that in just a few hours, the Demon Slayer Corps' situation had completely reversed.
The squad's zero casualties were not even mentioned...
The death of Upper Moon One.
Demons turning into humans...
With his body covered in scars and a sinister grin on his lips, the Wind Pillar, Shinazugawa Sanemi, wearing a white haori, questioned:
"Begging your pardon, Master!"
"Are you sure what you just described wasn't a story but reality?"
He clasped his hands, knelt on one knee, and lowered his head.
His voice gradually grew louder:
"I truly find it hard to believe!"
"Also..."
"Where is the Tsugikuni Yoriichi you mentioned?"
Shinazugawa Sanemi looked around but did not see Tsugikuni Yoriichi, and he 'Tsked' in increasing irritation.
Beside him.
Another person also kneeling, with two jewelled scimitars on his back and adorned with jewelled headwear and earrings, was incredibly flamboyant.
This person was the Sound Pillar, Uzui Tengen, who also loudly said:
"Shinazugawa is right! Master!"
Uzui Tengen raised his head: "This is not flamboyant at all!"
"How can one be late for such an important meeting?"
"Or..."
"Did everyone at Mt. Natagumo last night see an illusion?"
Hearing this, the Serpent Pillar, Iguro Obanai, agreed:
"I'll concur with Uzui's view for now."
He subtly lifted a slender finger, and a small white snake coiled around the bandaged side of his chin, following his breath.
Hiss, hiss~
The sound of Kaburamaru flicking its tongue was in his ears. He paused, then slowly spoke:
"If it truly was an illusion, it would explain why the twenty-person team had no casualties."
"Among demons, there are indeed corresponding Blood Demon Arts..."
"But if that's the case..." Kochou Shinobu glanced at him, interrupting his words.
"Then... what's your explanation for that girl?"
She extended her finger, pointing to a corner of the room.
There, a girl of twelve or thirteen was sitting with her head bowed.
She didn't speak, and her presence was extremely faint.
So much so that many Pillars mistakenly took her for a servant or a relative of the Rengoku family...
Initially, no one paid much attention, as this Pillar Meeting was somewhat special.
However, now that Kochou Shinobu brought her up, everyone frowned.
"Her?" Uzui Tengen opened his mouth in surprise, his dangling earrings clattering with his movement:
"Kochou, is she that demon?"
"That's right!" Kochou Shinobu nodded solemnly, her feelings somewhat complex.
—Her parents and even her sister had died because of demons, and her sister's wish was for humans and demons to coexist peacefully, but normal demons could not coexist.
But... what about a demon who hadn't eaten humans and then turned into a human?
Upon hearing this.
Seeing that her expression was not feigned.
Uzui Tengen suddenly fell silent.
Iguro Obanai swept a glance, his eyes subtly shifting, and he said no more, the environment returning to a brief quiet.
Gulp~
Not far away, Rengoku Shinjuro leaned against a corner of the room, taking a swig of his drink.
Since Kyoujurou took over his position, he had honourably retired from the Demon Slayer Corps.
As the host, as long as it didn't affect the meeting, anything he did was fine.
His gaze turned to Kyoujurou.
In his lifeless pupils, Kyoujurou's strong and resolute back was reflected.
Suddenly.
Kyoujurou's loud voice directly broke the silence:
"Master, I firmly believe in you!"
He raised his head, his golden hair with crimson edges shaking twice.
His eyebrows lifted significantly:
"Regardless of the truth, the death of Upper Moon One is an undeniable fact!"
"This is something we humans have not accomplished in a thousand years!"
"We should respect him! This means that we humans are about to reach a new turning point!"
"The Twelve Demon Moons led by Kibutsuji Muzan will all be dismantled through our efforts!"
"A peaceful era is about to arrive!"
"Am I right, Master!"
His golden eyes were like a lion's, and his voice was deep and powerful, echoing in the silent room.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya nodded slightly, seated at the head of the table for everyone, his gentle tone like a spring breeze:
"Indeed, on this point, Kyoujurou, you spoke very well. I understand your concerns."
"However, the past perception that humans did not live long was based solely on the absence of demons."
"He is the only human who has directly fought Muzan and emerged unscathed, and he is also the only human Kibutsuji Muzan fears."
"It has been clearly recorded in history that his power was something ordinary mortals never possessed."
"Since he is not a mortal, it is not surprising that he can live for four hundred years..."
Although Tsugikuni Yoriichi directly stated that he was resurrected from the world of the dead, the four hundred years from his birth to now could not be erased.
Therefore, in the human worldview, he was already four hundred years old.
Hence.
As soon as Ubuyashiki Kagaya's words fell.
"Amitabha..."
In front of everyone, a robust monk holding prayer beads, with pale eyes, quietly recited a Buddhist prayer:
"Four hundred years... such a long time."
Pat, pat...
Tears streamed down his cheeks, and the Stone Pillar, Gyomei Himejima, opened his mouth, his voice mournful:
"Ah... just thinking about it makes me feel lonely..."
"Master..."
He raised his head, his pale eyes like rippling water, long unable to calm down:
"Do you know where he is?"
Upon hearing this, Ubuyashiki Kagaya opened his mouth.
The next second.
Clack—
The tightly closed door suddenly opened, and a large swathe of warm sunlight poured in.
Directly in front of the sunlight was a man with red hair tied in a high ponytail, dressed entirely in black, like a general.
His sword hung at his waist.
Even without being drawn, the Pillars could feel the waves of danger emanating from it.
Uzui Tengen only stared for a moment, then felt a chill run through his body, his mind hazy, as if he were about to fall into hell.
Nerves driven by fear pulled at his muscles, and he couldn't help but shiver.
It wasn't until his gaze moved away from the sword that Uzui Tengen felt his body gradually improve... though he was still filled with lingering fear.
His breathing was somewhat rapid, his jaw clenched, and an absurd thought instantly flooded his mind.
—This sword... has magic!
Clack.
At this moment.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi had already walked in.
He scanned the many humans before him, then casually found a spot and sat down on the floor.
Then, he raised his eyes, signalling Ubuyashiki Kagaya to continue.
...
"So... so handsome!"
Upon first seeing Tsugikuni Yoriichi, the Love Pillar, Kanroji Mitsuri, was mesmerised by his backlit figure.
Sitting behind everyone, when Mitsuri clearly saw his face, she didn't feel at all that he was an old man.
—He was clearly the same age as them!