Hayashi returned to the headquarters and once again met Ubuyashiki Kagaya.
Although only a few days had passed, Hayashi immediately noticed that the curse marks on Ubuyashiki's face had spread further.
If this continued, it wouldn't be long before his remaining eye went blind completely.
Hayashi sighed inwardly.
The will of this world truly bullied the weak and feared the strong.
A monster like Muzan Kibutsuji, who completely violated the laws of nature, walked freely in the night. Yet instead of punishing Muzan, the so-called heavens cursed the Ubuyashiki clan for generations.
What justice was this?
Too cowardly to confront Muzan directly, yet merciless in striking down the weak.
Noticing his gaze, Ubuyashiki Kagaya raised a hand and spoke gently:
"Do not worry about my condition."
"I've already received the reports from Rengoku Kyojuro and Sanemi Shinazugawa."
"You slew Lower Moon Three and Lower Moon Six in Tokyo. That is an extraordinary achievement."
His eyes softened, but then grew sharp as he asked quietly:
"What of the matter you mentioned before?"
Hayashi explained about Muzan's remote interference and the battle against the nearly decapitated Kokushibo.
Ubuyashiki's calm expression finally broke; his voice trembled with long-suppressed hope:
"Yoriichi san… you truly did it!"
"This is a miracle for the Corps!"
"To repel Upper Moon One—something we have failed to achieve for centuries!"
Hayashi shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Don't think of it only as a victory."
"Let me translate it for you: the true surprise is that Muzan was terrified again. He won't dare to appear in person for some time."
"The frequency of demon attacks on humans will drop sharply. Muzan will surely focus all his efforts on conquering the sun and amplifying his strength."
"That means our Corps will have fewer missions for a while—giving the Hashira a rare chance to rest and recover."
Ubuyashiki narrowed his eyes, a hint of amusement in his frail voice:
"And during that time, Yoriichi san… your own strength will undoubtedly grow again."
Hayashi felt a pang of discomfort.
He disliked speaking with people as perceptive as Kagaya; they saw through every hidden intention.
But Kagaya was right.
Since arriving in this world, his restoration percentage had been only 10%.
After defeating Kokushibo, it had already risen to 49%.
At this pace, it would not take long to reach the limit.
Then the only challenge would be: how to find Muzan, and how to prevent him from splitting into thousands of pieces to escape once more.
He already had methods in mind for locating Muzan.
But to prevent his blood-flesh division technique, he needed Kagaya's cooperation.
"I have a plan," Hayashi said solemnly. "But I will need your support."
Ubuyashiki's tone grew serious:
"Is this about the Swordsmith Village? If so, I can make arrangements immediately."
"Yes," Hayashi nodded, his voice firm.
"Going to the Swordsmith Village is part of it. And when the time comes… all the Hashira must go together."
Ubuyashiki looked surprised.
"All the Hashira? Then their blades—are you saying every weapon will be damaged at once…?"
He suddenly paused, realization dawning in his eyes.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya froze for a moment, the faint smile on Hayashi's face making his heart tighten again.
Just earlier, Hayashi had suggested that the Hashira could be temporarily relieved from demon-hunting duties. Now, he spoke of leading them all to the Swordsmith Village.
Kagaya had already guessed his intention, but when he heard the confirmation, he was struck again by that rare, almost forgotten feeling—surprise.
Hayashi said calmly, as though stating the obvious:
"Over these years, the Corps has lost much of its heritage. By coincidence, I happen to know something of these things. So I will train the Hashira."
Kagaya's eyes widened. He knew this man was no miser who hoarded knowledge. Many of his skills, after all, were not his own inventions but the teachings of Tsugikuni Yoriichi. And Yoriichi, as the records stated, never concealed his wisdom—whether it was swordsmanship or breathing techniques, he freely guided others.
Hayashi recalled the tales himself. It was precisely because Yoriichi had shared everything that new Breathing Styles had been born from the Sun Breathing.
So why shouldn't he do the same? If Yoriichi were alive, he would surely make this very choice.
At that thought, a strange sensation stirred in Hayashi's chest. When he checked his "restoration," it had already risen—50%.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya leaned forward unconsciously.
"…What do you intend to teach them?"
Hayashi had prepared his answer long ago.
"The pillars must grasp the Hedao—the Scarlet Blade."
His tone carried weight, his words slicing through the quiet room.
He explained carefully: the Breathing Styles, Transparent World, Mark, and Scarlet Blade—the four peak techniques of the Demon Slayer Corps. And among them, the Scarlet Blade was the most straightforward to attempt, while giving an immediate boost in combat against demons.
In the original record, there were four known ways to draw out the Scarlet Blade: through Sun Breathing, through Nezuko's Blood Demon Art, through immense grip strength, or through the clash of blades when the Mark is active.
"Because of me," Hayashi added, "the Kamado family survived intact. That means Nezuko's technique can be relied on."
Even so, he intended to experiment with the Hashira first, even without Marks awakened. Success would be a blessing; failure, no loss.
And if all else failed, he had a final measure—retrieving Tsugikuni Yuichiro's blade. Once fused, it would grant the complete effect of the Scarlet Sword. Afterward, with Sun Breathing igniting his own scarlet steel, he could pass the flame along to each Hashira by crossing blades with them.
"One by one," Hayashi concluded, "I will ensure that every Hashira wields a Scarlet Blade."
Kagaya found himself holding his breath. The enormity of the gift nearly overwhelmed him. Words of thanks rose to his lips, but Hayashi's hand stopped him.
"No need."
So Kagaya swallowed his gratitude, forcing his racing heart to still. His voice steadied, and he gently steered the talk elsewhere:
"…Speaking of which, you don't plan to visit the Butterfly Mansion first? To see the Kamado family?"
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