The young man was at a loss for whether to laugh or cry. He couldn't tell if Suzuki Makoto was joking to reassure him or expressing his determination to protect him and his sister—but it did make him relax a little.
Just as he was about to greet Giyu Tomioka, a harmonious voice was heard.
"The Master has arrived."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki, supported by his two daughters, walked out from the shadows of the room and into the sunlight.
Everyone immediately bowed to the spiritual leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, who was afflicted by a curse. They all willingly submitted to this Master, who lacked any physical strength, and under his command, they fought bravely against their enemies.
"It is most wonderful to see that you are still in good health, Master. I sincerely wish you even greater well-being."
"Thank you, Sanemi."
"Master, please forgive my impertinence, but before the Hashira Meeting begins, may I be permitted to explain the series of events caused by this Corps member named Tanjiro Kamado."
It was hard to imagine that the person who said these words was Sanemi Shinazugawa, who had been the most impulsive one earlier.
"Regarding this matter, I apologize for the commotion. In truth, Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado are Demon Slayer Corps members whom I have acknowledged—and I hope that all of you can acknowledge them as well."
"...Even if it is the Master's request, I find it difficult to accept."
The Stone Hashira was the first to state his position.
Following him were the Sound Hashira, Flame Hashira, Serpent Hashira, and Wind Hashira. They all resolutely demanded the punishment of the Kamado siblings, as well as Suzuki Makoto and Giyu Tomioka, who had violated the Corps rules.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's expression did not change in the slightest. He simply patted his daughter's head gently.
"Bring out the letter."
"Yes."
The girl took a letter from within her robes.
"This is a letter from the former Water Hashira, Master Sakonji Urokodaki. In the letter, Master Sakonji Urokodaki guarantees that if Nezuko Kamado ever harms a human, Sakonji Urokodaki, Giyu Tomioka, and Tanjiro Kamado will all commit seppuku to atone."
Huh?
Suzuki Makoto looked at the still expressionless Giyu Tomioka beside him in surprise—why didn't this guy tell me when he was making secret pacts?
On the other side, the young man could no longer hold back his gratitude, and large teardrops streamed from his eyes.
Because they believed in him, because they believed in his sister, so many people were willing to sacrifice for them. Mr. Suzuki was willing to stand against the entire Demon Slayer Corps for them, and Mr. Urokodaki and Mr. Tomioka were willing to stake their lives as a guarantee... He didn't know how he could ever repay this kindness.
The Hashira, who had been somewhat dissatisfied, were shaken by the letter's contents. They began to reconsider: if three individuals of their caliber believed the bond between the Kamado siblings was strong enough to restrain Nezuko's man-eating urges, then perhaps they shouldn't continue to view the pair with such prejudice?
"I disagree with this! That's no guarantee at all—what if she really does harm someone?"
"I agree, this doesn't prove anything! Even if they commit seppuku after a tragedy occurs, the people who were killed won't come back!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa and Kyojuro Rengoku still did not accept this guarantee.
"You are worried that this guarantee cannot prove she will not harm people in the future, but you also cannot prove that Nezuko will harm people in the future, can you?"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's voice remained gentle and calm.
"It is a fact that Nezuko has not eaten a single human in the two full years since she became a demon. And now, at least three people are willing to stake their lives on her. If you wish to deny this, you must offer something of greater value as your own guarantee—do any of you have such resolve?"
The Wind Hashira and the Flame Hashira could say no more.
"Furthermore, there is one more thing I must tell you all—Tanjiro Kamado has encountered Muzan Kibutsuji."
Huh?
Suzuki Makoto instantly snapped his head from left to right, looking at the boy he was protecting in shock—how come you also have something this explosive and didn't tell me?
You all have your secrets, making me look like a complete blank slate!
Oh, wait. I'm a transmigrator.
Never mind, then.
The other Hashira also looked over in shock, and some of the more impatient ones had already started questioning Tanjiro for information about Muzan Kibutsuji.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki gently raised a single index finger to his lips, and everyone fell silent instantly.
"Muzan Kibutsuji is now sending demons to hunt Tanjiro down. The reason may be to silence him, but this is the first time we've ever caught Muzan's tail, so I do not wish to let this opportunity go. It is likely that something has happened with Nezuko that even Muzan Kibutsuji cannot comprehend—do you all understand?"
There was silence. Even the Flame Hashira lowered his head.
"No—Master, I still don't believe it! I won't believe in a demon!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa shouted, losing his composure for the first time. He himself didn't even know if he couldn't believe it, or just didn't want to believe it.
"I request one final test. If this demon can still restrain her desire to feed in the presence of my blood, then from this day forward, I will have no further complaints about Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado—but if she cannot control herself, then I must destroy her here today!"
"Sanemi..."
Knowing the truth, Kagaya Ubuyashiki let out a soft sigh. He, of course, knew why the Wind Hashira was so hostile specifically towards the Kamado siblings.
Once, Sanemi Shinazugawa also had a happy family. But one night, his mother became a demon. She returned home and killed all the children except for Sanemi and his brother, Genya Shinazugawa. Sanemi fought his mother until dawn, and in the sunlight, he saw her face before watching her turn to ash, his home littered with corpses.
"Suzuki Makoto! Do you approve?"
Suzuki Makoto nodded.
"Of course."
The two walked into the shadows of the main room. Suzuki Makoto opened the box, and Sanemi Shinazugawa sliced his own arm with his blade.
"My blood is the rarest of Marechi Blood. No demon can resist it. Some weaker demons even become intoxicated just from the smell, as if drunk—Come on, have a taste! Taste your favorite thing!"
Suzuki Makoto also noticed the change in Nezuko. Her demonic aura instantly became unstable, and drool slid down the corner of her mouth. It was clear Sanemi Shinazugawa's blood was immensely attractive to her.
"Nezuko!"
The boy cried out anxiously, worried for his sister's fate.
Then, Nezuko turned her head away.
Even as drool continued to fall, even as her body still wanted to lunge forward, the young girl steadfastly turned her head aside, rejecting the temptation of the blood.
_____
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