"Did you see that! I can't believe my eyes!"
"Of course, I saw it! Seiichi repelled Upper Moon One!"
"It can't be false news, can it...?"
"What nonsense are you spouting! Master would never lie to us!"
"The Swordsmith Village actually gathered four Upper Moons. It's too terrifying. It's almost like they came out in full force."
"But they were still defeated. Seiichi is too strong. I want to have his children!"
"..."
Everyone who received the notification gasped in surprise. People informed each other and celebrated. The entire Demon Slayer Corps headquarters was immersed in cheers all night long.
As the moonlight faded, a large sun slowly rose in the east. Seiichi, who had been resting with his eyes closed all night, opened his ice-blue eyes.
His eyes had undergone a slight change. Seiichi could clearly sense this subtle alteration slowly occurring in his pupils.
From the outside, the difference was also very obvious. Previously, Seiichi's eyes were sky-blue, clear, and bright. This was the color they had been since he was born.
But ever since he comprehended the Transparent World, his eyes had gradually changed, from sky-blue to ice-blue. His pupils were crystal clear, shimmering with light, like a saint or a god.
He looked carefully in the mirror for a while. In any case, it was evolving in a good direction. It was a bit eye-catching, but since it could improve his strength, there was no need to dwell on it too much.
"You're so handsome, Seiichi-kun!"
After a moment of self-admiration, Seiichi picked up his Nichirin Sword and walked towards the Ubuyashiki Residence. On the way, he also met Mitsuri and Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro walking together. They greeted each other and continued their journey together.
This Hashira Meeting was held indoors. The spacious room was furnished with floor cushions. Wind Hashira Sanemi, Stone Hashira Himejima, Water Hashira Giyu, Insect Hashira Shinobu, Sound Hashira Tengen, and Mist Hashira Muichiro were already seated there. It seemed they were the last group to arrive.
Seiichi found a seat and sat down, closing his eyes to rest, waiting for Ubuyashiki Amane to arrive. He naturally knew the severity of Ubuyashiki Kagaya's illness.
"Muichiro, you fought against Upper Moon Three and Four, right? How did it feel?"
Obanai Iguro spoke first. Actually, Sanemi and Himejima had many questions they wanted to ask, but Seiichi was resting with his eyes closed. Their relationship wasn't too close yet, so they could only probe by asking Muichiro first.
Hearing the sound, Seiichi opened his eyes. "If you want to ask me, just ask. You're making it seem like I'm aloof."
"Very strong. Upper Moon Four has multiple abilities, mostly long-range attacks. His summons are huge and hard, making it difficult for ordinary people to approach him."
Muichiro paused, then continued.
"But that's not his main body. His main body hides. As long as his main body isn't beheaded, his clones won't die even if they are beheaded."
"But as long as there are enough Hashira, defeating it isn't difficult. As for Upper Moon Three... with all due respect, even five people—three Marked swordsmen and two special swordsmen—are no match for him. They can only achieve a reluctant stalemate."
Muichiro still felt deeply about Akaza's power. Mitsuri, next to him, nodded vigorously in agreement.
"Upper Moon Five is a monster similar to a fish. His ability is to turn everything he touches into fish. The more troublesome thing is that he has an ability to teleport instantly."
Seiichi spoke slowly, attracting everyone's attention.
"However, he's not to be worried about. Muichiro, who has activated his Mark, can kill him alone."
Seiichi glanced at Muichiro, nodded, and continued.
"As for Upper Moon One, his name is Kokushibo. His strength is exceptionally formidable. He fights using swordsmanship and is an incredibly powerful swordsman."
Everyone was startled.
"A swordsman? A Breathing Style swordsman?"
Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui pressed on.
"Exactly. If I heard correctly, it's Moon Breathing."
Seiichi nodded, his ice-blue eyes sweeping over all the Hashira present.
"I don't recommend anyone other than myself to fight him. If there are five Marked swordsmen, you can try. If a Hashira like Himejima activates his Mark, three can attempt it."
Everyone fell silent. They understood Himejima's strength, and now they also knew how exaggerated the boost from a Mark was, yet it still required three. How exaggerated, then, was the strength of the person before them?
Bearing everyone's gaze, Seiichi waved his hand.
"As for me, I now have the confidence to slay Muzan Kibutsuji."
His calm words exploded like thunder beside everyone's ears. Everyone's hearts surged, stirring up huge waves.
"This is truly a great fortune for the Demon Slayer Corps!"
Ubuyashiki Amane emerged from behind the screen with two children and sat at the head of the table.
"I apologize. Due to the master's severe illness, I—Ubuyashiki Amane—will preside over this Hashira Meeting."
Ubuyashiki Amane slowly bowed.
Everyone returned the bow.
"Everyone, due to the significant changes in the Swordsmith Village, and the fact that Nezuko has overcome the sun, the situation ahead will be vastly different. We must seize the time to improve our strength."
Ubuyashiki Amane looked at Mitsuri and Muichiro. "Mitsuri-san, Muichiro-kun, could you please explain to everyone the process of how you activated your Marks?"
Mitsuri's forehead broke out in large beads of sweat. She mumbled a few sounds, then blushed and said nothing.
"I was struck by Upper Moon Three and sent flying, crashing into several places. The intense pain made me pass out instantly. But even in my unconscious state, I still sensed Tanjiro protecting us. A tremendous wave of anger washed over me. I recalled my past, my body temperature gradually rose, and I rapidly circulated my Breathing Style. My heart rate briefly exceeded 200, which alleviated the intense pain."
Muichiro recounted to everyone.
Increased heart rate, increased body temperature.
Grasping these two keywords, everyone began to consider how they could achieve this.
Ubuyashiki Amane looked straight ahead and said softly:
"What has already been activated cannot be undone. However, for those of you who have not yet activated your Marks, there might be a significant side effect once a Mark is activated—the inability to live past 25 years old. Please treat this with caution."
"What a sorrowful power."
Himejima clasped his hands together, tears streaming from his eyes.
Time slowly flowed. Everyone discussed the upcoming agenda items and unanimously decided to fully protect Nezuko and prepare for the final battle. To this end, a Hashira training program would be launched, providing all Demon Slayer Corps members with the 'conscientious guidance' of each Hashira.
"Therefore, this is the basic outline of the training. If everyone has no objections, we will proceed with this."
Himejima put down the document and clasped his hands together.
"Finally, regarding ourselves, all Hashira must—"
"Participate in Seiichi's training!"
Seiichi released his aura, boom! It was as if the sky had fallen, the immense pressure rendered all the Hashira immobile. Forcing movement even caused their bones to creak.
"Next, I will teach everyone various techniques. I will not let you graduate until I am satisfied."
Seiichi said gently to everyone present.
Sanemi's grin widened, and he couldn't help but burst into laughter. Things were starting to get interesting!