Hayashi even thought that Sanemi Shinazugawa would take the opportunity to "sneak attack" him to test his strength.
But he really didn't expect that Sanemi would choose to join instead.
What is this?
I'm not destroying this family, but joining it?
Hayashi Yuichi's expression grew increasingly strange, but Ubuyashiki Kagaya only smiled, as if he had already anticipated this development.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya spoke gently:
"Sanemi, it's a good thing you're willing to join.
But I ask you and Rengoku Kyojuro to obey Yoriichi San orders at critical moments, understood?"
As soon as the words fell, Rengoku Kyojuro shouted energetically, his voice filled with fire:
"Of course!"
However, Sanemi Shinazugawa did not respond immediately. He simply glared at Hayashi, his expression full of dissatisfaction.
Since Hayashi had stepped into the courtyard, Sanemi had been watching closely.
Weak!
This man's aura is too weak!
In Sanemi's perception, Hayashi's presence wasn't even as forceful as Murata's, who had entered alongside him.
Murata and Giyuu had already proven their strength, and their lord himself had acknowledged Hayashi's feats—surviving Muzan Kibutsuji's assault and protecting his entire family.
And yet, Hayashi's frail aura still made Sanemi unconvinced… even worried.
He didn't know what this so-called "special mission" was that their lord hinted at. But the fact that the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro, was summoned meant it must carry considerable risk.
So Sanemi chose to join—not out of trust, but to ensure Hayashi could be protected when facing demons.
But now Kagaya wanted him to obey Hayashi's commands at critical moments?
Sanemi's doubts deepened.
Hayashi saw this and sighed inwardly.
So that's how it is.
Unless he completely won Sanemi over, the man would continue to question him at every turn.
He stepped down from the terrace and stood in the courtyard. His voice was calm but sharp:
"Sanemi Shinazugawa, I asked you this before—
Do you want to check my past battle record, or do you want to test my strength?"
Even as he spoke, Hayashi activated the Transparent World that he had never fully closed.
The rhythm of breathing, the beating of the heart, the contraction of muscles…
Every detail of Sanemi's body appeared vividly in his mind.
He knew—Sanemi was about to strike.
Although Gyomei Himejima could not see it, he too sensed the intent. He clasped his hands and warned gravely:
"Sanemi, do not act rudely before our lord!
And remember—fighting is forbidden within the Demon Slayer Corps!"
But Sanemi only frowned and growled in a low voice:
"I'll test his strength bare-handed.
I hope my lord will forgive me afterwards!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Sanemi Shinazugawa burst forward like a cannonball!
Hayashi stood still, feeling the gust rushing toward him.
With the blessing of the Transparent World, every motion became crystal clear.
He saw Sanemi's foot drive into the ground, his body twist, and his elbow slash toward Hayashi's temple.
Hayashi narrowed his eyes.
He could tell—Sanemi was holding back.
Dodging became simple.
He tilted back slightly, letting the elbow sweep past harmlessly.
Sanemi's eyes widened in shock.
Damn… this is bad!
In the next instant, Hayashi hooked his leg and pressed forward.
Bang!
Sanemi stumbled and crashed to the ground in a graceless heap, while Hayashi remained perfectly unscathed, his hair only fluttering from the displaced air.
"What?!"
"You… you opened it…"
Sanemi lay stunned, a single thought burning in his mind.
Even if he had restrained himself, there was no way he should be felled so easily.
It was absurd—like a cruel joke.
But Hayashi caught the muttered words, and his heart stirred.
"You opened it"…
Did Sanemi mean the Transparent World?
If it's not closed… then isn't it simply open?
The courtyard was silent.
On the other side, the Hashira watching the duel were equally astonished.
Even Ubuyashiki Kōya, seated on the rooftop, allowed a flicker of surprise to cross his calm expression.
The reputation of that legendary swordsman was not exaggerated—his skill was truly as extraordinary as the records claimed.
Himejima Gyōmei twisted the prayer beads in his hands and suddenly let out a deep sigh.
"Incredible..."
Though blind, his perception surpassed that of ordinary men. And yet, whether in Hayashi's usual composure or in the brief instant he struck, Gyōmei had never once sensed an overwhelming aura from him.
Someone with perception comparable to Giyu's, yet capable of overwhelming Sanemi Shinazugawa in a single exchange—such ability was beyond belief.
Tomioka Giyū parted his lips, as if to speak, but before he could utter a word, he was quietly pulled aside by Kocho Shinobu, who had appeared soundlessly at his side.
Fortunately, Sanemi Shinazugawa did not notice.
He had already straightened his posture and dropped to one knee before Ubuyashiki Kagaya, bowing his head deeply.
Only now did the haze in his mind lift.
It hadn't been chance—every strike of his had been completely read and dismantled.
At that moment, Ubuyashiki Kagaya spoke gently, his voice tinged with apology as he addressed Hayashi:
"Yoriichi san, I must apologize to you on Sanemi's behalf. His temperament has always been rather impatient. I ask that you forgive him."
Then his tone sharpened slightly as he turned toward Sanemi Shinazugawa.
"Sanemi, apologize to Yoriichi San at once."
Grinding his teeth, Sanemi lowered his head and forced the words out.
"...Please forgive me."
Hayashi waved his hand lightly, indicating that he bore no resentment. At last, he understood—none of these Hashira were truly malicious. It was simply that each carried an exceptionally strong and unique personality.
Tomioka Giyū, the man of few words.
Gyōmei, who wept at the depth of his feelings.
Sanemi Shinazugawa, who doubted everything until proven otherwise.
And then—
"That was splendid!"
A booming, hearty voice shattered the solemn atmosphere.
"Shinazugawa's elbow strike was magnificent—the angle, the power, flawless! And Yoriichi-san's counterattack! Beautiful beyond words! If it had been me, I could never have managed such brilliance!"
Of course, only Rengoku Kyōjurō could praise both sides in one breath.
"Enough hesitation!" Kyōjurō declared, his eyes blazing. "Sanemi, let's accompany Yoriichi san at once!"
Hayashi winced, rubbing his ear at the sheer volume of the Flame Hashira's voice. A wry smile tugged at his lips.
This journey to Asakusa, Tokyo... would most certainly not be a lonely one.