Kamado Tanjuro had considered the possibility that soone from the Demon Slayer Corps Hiru might approach him, but he never imagined it would be the Corps’ leader himself.
As he looked at Ubuyashiki standing before him, Tanjuro found it difficult to reconcile the image of this man—frailer even than himself—with the idea of soone who commanded the Demon Slayer Corps.
And yet, the powerful build of the swordsn accompanying him, along with the unmistakable respect they showed toward Ubuyashiki, made it clear that this was no act.
“Greetings. My na is Ubuyashiki Kagaya. Though it may sound difficult to believe, I am indeed the head of the Demon Slayer Corps.”
Seeing the wariness in Tanjuro’s eyes, Kagaya smiled faintly.
“I believe Hiru visited you so ti ago. I’ve co precisely because of that.”
Tanjuro turned his gaze to the others who had arrived with him.
“And they are?”
“One is my wife, Ubuyashiki Amane. The other two are forr Hashira-level swordsn—Rengoku Shinjuro and Mikazuki Reima. I had originally intended to co only with Amane and Reima, but the swordsn below refused to allow it…”
Ubuyashiki shook his head helplessly.
“Would this be a suitable place to talk?”
After a brief silence, Tanjuro pulled on an outer garnt.
“Let’s take a walk. Just the two of us.”
“That works.”
Ubuyashiki glanced toward Rengoku Shinjuro, who was about to follow, and smiled.
“Shinjuro, please remain here. Tanjuro and I won’t go far.”
“Yes.”
Rengoku stopped and stepped back behind Amane, though his gaze remained fixed on Tanjuro, his brows knitting unconsciously.
“Don’t worry too much.”
Shinjuro turned to Mikazuki.
“I simply hadn’t realized the toll Breathing Techniques could take on the body.”
“Yeah… that’s true.”
“Would you like to co inside and sit for a while?” Tanjiro approached with a gentle smile.
“The apricot blossoms are beautiful in February, but it’s still quite cold.”
Amane bowed slightly.
“Then we’ll trouble you.”
“That’s fine. If this helps clear up any misunderstandings, that would be for the best.”
Tanjiro stepped aside at the doorway.
“After all, Mr. Hiru is a very gentle and considerate person, yet for so reason, Father has always been wary of him.”
“Of course—it’s because that guy is usually—hm?”
Mikazuki stopped mid-step and turned to look at Tanjiro.
“You can use Breathing Techniques too?”
“Ah, yes.” Tanjiro looked up at him. “I only learned recently.”
“Which Breathing Style?”
Rengoku leaned closer.
“Would you mind telling us?”
“Father never nad it explicitly, but I learned the sa Breathing Style he uses…”
Tanjiro brought over hot water as he spoke.
“Right now, I’m practicing the Hinokami Kagura. Father says it’s an important inheritance.”
“Hinokami Kagura?”
Rengoku crossed his arms, clearly intrigued.
“So your family also has a fire-related tradition—just like ours!”
“You’re really planning to pass that down? Your body only just recovered from the fire.”
“Hahaha! Haven’t we recently started using glass? I’m thinking of building a glass room for observing flas. It would be a sha for a thousand-year tradition to end with !”
“Honestly… I keep forgetting your Rengoku family is wealthy.”
“Haha, I forget it myself sotis!”
“You really are sothing…”
Tanjiro sat quietly to the side, not interjecting, answering only when addressed.
Still, he could sense it clearly—everyone present, himself included, was waiting for the outco of Tanjuro’s conversation with Ubuyashiki.
With that thought, Tanjiro let out a soft sigh and looked toward the window, where the two figures stood.
【I hope they can clear up the misunderstanding…】
...
“So the Demon Slayer Corps truly exists?” Tanjuro asked.
“Yes.” Ubuyashiki smiled faintly.
“The entanglent between the Ubuyashiki family and Muzan has lasted for over a thousand years.”
“Then why would a corps dedicated to slaying demons harbor demons among its ranks?”
Tanjuro frowned.
“Since you ca to see , you must know the truth, don’t you?”
“I do.” Ubuyashiki lowered his gaze, his voice tinged with resignation.
“But even I only pieced it together after gathering various clues. When I first tested the matter, I was threatened for it.”
“And yet you still chose to trust a demon?”
“Trust may not be the right word.”
Ubuyashiki shook his head gently.
“It’s more accurate to say that the Demon Slayer Corps cannot afford the consequences of opposing him. Only after confronting them directly did I truly understand how powerful the Demon King is. Even facing Muzan alone would require the full strength of the Corps—let alone the appearance of two such beings…”
“…Two?”
Tanjuro’s brows furrowed.
“He only told that Muzan was on the sa level as himself.”
“The original Breathing swordsman, Tsugikuni Yoriichi, survived by becoming a demon,” Ubuyashiki said quietly.
“His strength surpasses even Muzan’s. As for what Hiru ntioned… it refers to the two of them being primordial demons, capable of turning humans into demons.”
“Primordial demons… and beings beyond primordial demons…”
Tanjuro fell silent for a mont.
“Then why have you co? If you intend to invite to join the Demon Slayer Corps, I must refuse. After witnessing such a sight, I cannot place my trust in the Corps.”
“I see…”
Ubuyashiki lowered his eyes.
“Though it is regrettable, even if you decline to join, I still hope you will lead your family elsewhere to live.”
He continued softly.
“Not long ago, the Demon Slayer Corps had a brief encounter with Muzan. He was driven back by Yoriichi’s sword, but having once suffered defeat at the hands of Sun Breathing, he will surely recognize it. When that happens, he will prioritize eradicating everything connected to Sun Breathing. If that day cos… your family—”
Though he did not finish the sentence, Tanjuro understood the aning clearly.
After a short silence, he spoke.
“I will not move.”
“Is there sothing holding you back? If it’s a matter of funds or finding a place to live—”
“It’s not that.”
Tanjuro coughed softly.
“Though I still harbor doubts, this broken body of mine does not have much ti left. If I spend my remaining strength on moving, I will have none left to teach Tanjiro.”
“Tanjiro… the boy from earlier?” Ubuyashiki asked.
“Yes. Tanjiro is my eldest son. He has already learned Breathing Techniques…”
Tanjuro lowered his gaze to his own gaunt hands, a faintly bitter smile touching his lips.
“He is a talented child. Before I depart this world, I wish to teach him everything I know—and spend as much ti as I can with my family.”
Ubuyashiki was silent for a mont before letting out a quiet sigh.
“In that regard, you and I are quite alike… Since your resolve is firm, I won’t press the matter further. Still, I hope you will inform your family of this.”
“…I will tell Tanjiro and Kie,” Tanjuro said softly, lowering his eyes.
“So that after my death, they may leave this place.”
After a pause, he added, “I have one more request.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“Would it be possible for to et that original swordsman who beca a demon… just once more?”
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