When Hayashi heard this, his heart stirred.
He instantly understood who Ubuyashiki Kagaya was referring to.
The person living in Asakusa, who had once interacted with Tsugikuni Yoriichi, could only be Tamayo. She had personally witnessed Yoriichi driving Muzan Kibutsuji into a corner. Moreover, one of the reasons Yoriichi was cast out of the Demon Slayer Corps was precisely because he had spared Tamayo, a demon.
Perhaps… Tamayo truly knew where Yoriichi's grave lay.
As he pondered, Ubuyashiki Kagaya continued softly:
"You should travel to Asakusa, Tokyo, and seek out Lady Tamayo."
Hayashi's expression flickered, and he exchanged a silent glance with Ubuyashiki Kiriya. The master of the Corps clearly understood that Hayashi already knew of Tamayo's existence—and of her connection to Yoriichi. But, true to his nature, Kagaya did not press further.
Instead, his voice grew steady:
"I will reach out to Lady Tamayo in advance and arrange a time for your meeting.
Though difficult, I promise to make it happen."
Hayashi naturally knew why Kagaya described this task as "difficult."
Tamayo was a demon, while Kagaya represented the Demon Slayer Corps. Even though they were in secret contact, arranging a formal meeting was fraught with danger—for Tamayo, every step toward the Corps could be mistaken for walking into a trap.
Kagaya seemed to sense Hayashi's hesitation. With a gentle smile, he added:
"How to persuade Lady Tamayo is for me to handle.
Whatever assistance you need, I shall provide without fail."
At that, Kagaya asked his son to bring a briefcase forward. He opened it himself, revealing stacks of silver coins and Taishō-era banknotes.
"Please accept this, Mr. Hayashi. It will support your journey."
Hayashi accepted the case in a daze. For a fleeting moment, he almost expected Kagaya to boast, "I still have plenty more." Instead, he only felt a deeper respect.
No wonder the Demon Slayer Corps revered Kagaya so greatly. The path was perilous, yet their "master" was compassionate, provided for their needs, and ensured they lacked neither food, lodging, nor treatment.
How different from Muzan Kibutsuji—
who forced his followers to live in fear, offered them nothing, and might kill them on a whim. Truly, a worthless master.
Hayashi sighed, then suddenly realized his own predicament.
How was he supposed to reach Asakusa?
Kiriya noticed his unease and spoke gently:
"I can arrange for Rengoku Kyojūrō to accompany you.
In addition, I will assign Kakushi to handle your logistics."
Hayashi agreed at once. His current restoration was only twenty percent; while he could cut down any demon below the Twelve Kizuki with ease, facing an Upper Moon—or several Lower Moons at once—still carried great risk. And if fate brought him face-to-face with Upper Moon One, Kokushibō, at Yoriichi's resting place… he would need all the help he could get.
With Rengoku by his side, at least he could be confident of retreat even if victory was impossible.
Kagaya patiently waited for Hayashi to settle his thoughts before rising.
"If there is nothing further, let us step outside together."
Hayashi nodded, following him toward the courtyard. Along the way, he suddenly asked:
"By the way, how fares the Kamado family?"
Kagaya's smile grew gentle.
"I had the Kakushi escort them directly to the Butterfly Estate. They were given a full examination and are completely unharmed.
At first, I thought to let them rest there in peace…
but Mrs. Kamado insisted on helping with chores while keeping her child close. She said it gave her peace of mind."
"The Kamado family has a child named Tanjiro. He's diligent, kind, and well-liked by everyone."
"By the way, Madam Kamado has already been informed. She asked when you might return to the Butterfly Mansion—she wishes to thank you in person."
Hearing this, Hayashi smiled, though a faint embarrassment soon crept across his face.
Why had he blurted out those words earlier: "Madam, you don't want to…"?
When they reached the courtyard, Ubuyashiki Kagaya slowly turned his gentle gaze across the gathered group.
"Giyu," he said softly, "I've read your report. You are correct. Demons rarely gather in such numbers. Something there must be attracting them."
He paused before continuing.
"So, I would like you and Murata to continue patrolling the area. Will that be acceptable?"
"Yes," Tomioka Giyu replied at once, his expression calm but firm.
Murata, however, nearly leapt forward in excitement. "Of course, my lord! I'll carry out your orders without fail!"
Hayashi watched them take their orders. His thoughts drifted to the place he had encountered the demon earlier. A strange sense of déjà vu tugged at him—
The gathering of demons, the layout of the architecture… it all mirrored a sequence from the early chapters of the original tale.
Could it be…? Which demon will fate pit against Tomioka this time?
Before he could dwell on it further, Kagaya turned his eyes toward Hayashi.
"I have a special task that I must entrust to you, Yoriichi san," Kagaya said with quiet solemnity.
"Alongside you, I would ask Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro, to accompany you in this mission."
The courtyard stirred.
The Hashira exchanged glances—some confused, some doubtful. What kind of mission would require the lord himself to assign it to an outsider who had yet to officially join the Corps, and also send a Hashira along as escort?
Kagaya offered no explanation, only his warm, unshakable smile. His gaze lingered on Kyojuro with a trust that spoke volumes.
Sensing it, Rengoku straightened at once, his golden-red mane gleaming in the sunlight, his voice booming with unshakable vigor:
"I have no objection! If this is my lord's will, then I shall see it done with all my strength!"
His fiery declaration rang with conviction.
Even if doubts lingered, to be chosen was proof of his lord's trust. That alone was enough—he could never allow himself to fail!
Hayashi suddenly felt another gaze upon him. Opening the Transparent World, he found Sanemi Shinazugawa staring intently at him.
Hayashi sighed inwardly. Here we go again. He's going to question me, isn't he…?
But the words that followed surprised him.
"My lord," Sanemi said, bowing deeply, his tone unwavering, "forgive my boldness, but I must speak."
His eyes burned with determination.
"Though you have not revealed the nature of this mission, the fact that a Hashira is required proves the danger involved."
"To entrust such a task partly to an 'outsider' who has not yet sworn himself to the Corps…"—his gaze flickered briefly to Hayashi—
"…If you, my lord, place such faith in him, then I shall not object further."
He drew a steady breath.
"But in order to guarantee the success of this mission, I humbly request permission to participate as well!"