Ren looked at the curse mark on Kagaya Ubuyashiki's face with surprise, finding that the mark appeared much deeper and darker than it had in the anime.
At this moment, the Wind Hashira, Shinazugawa Sanemi, suddenly spoke up: "The tenth Hashira? Master, are you joking? Looking at the uniform at his waist, he must have just passed the Final Selection, right?"
"That is correct. Ren only passed the Final Selection two days ago and became a Demon Slayer Corps member," Kagaya Ubuyashiki nodded first, then explained to everyone.
"However, prior to participating in the Final Selection, he went on a demon-hunting mission with the Insect Hashira, Kocho Shinobu. During that mission, he single-handedly successfully beheaded Upper Rank Three and saved Shinobu from the hands of Upper Rank Two. With such a battle record, I believe Ren is qualified to become a Hashira, even if he has only just passed the Final Selection."
"What? He defeated an Upper Rank?!"
As soon as these words came out, disbelief was written on everyone's faces, except for Shinobu. Even the stone-faced Tomioka Giyu showed a trace of surprise.
One had to realize that the Demon Slayer Corps had not killed an Upper Rank demon in over a hundred years. Yet, Ren had fought two Upper Ranks in a single night and killed Upper Rank Three. This record was simply too heaven-defying!
Even the strongest of the nine Hashira, Himejima Gyomei, would not dare to say he could achieve such a feat.
"Kocho, is what the Master said true?" Uzui Tengen immediately looked at Shinobu to verify the truth, and Shinobu gave an affirmative answer.
"The Master is correct. If not for Ren, I fear I would not be standing here before you all in one piece."
Boom!
Shinobu's words were like a heavy bomb, setting off stormy waves in everyone's hearts.
"That's great! After more than a hundred years, we have finally killed an Upper Rank!"
"With the death of an Upper Rank, the other demons will likely lay low for a while."
"We still cannot let our guard down. With the death of an Upper Rank, the Demon King Muzan will definitely be thunderously angry. We can expect even fiercer attacks to follow, so we must be prepared to respond!"
"He actually killed an Upper Rank! Little Brother Ren is so handsome!!! As expected of Shinobu's boy..."
Before she could finish her sentence, two angry gazes landed on Ren and Mitsuri simultaneously.
Shinobu clenched her fist, looking at Mitsuri with shy indignation, her eyes seemingly saying: 'Shut up! If you dare say what happened earlier, you're dead!'
Seeing that look, which seemed ready to eat people alive, Mitsuri meekly shut her mouth.
Hearing Mitsuri praise Ren, Iguro Obanai's gaze instantly locked onto Ren, leaving him speechless.
'Bro, are you the King of Jealousy? do you have to target me like this? Others soak snakes in wine, but your snake fell into a vinegar jar, didn't it?'
While he was silently complaining, Kagaya Ubuyashiki came before him and smiled. "Ren, are you willing to become a Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps and slay evil demons with us?"
Although he was disfigured, his voice was extremely gentle, giving people a warm feeling, as if all the hostility in their bodies was being purified.
Ren knelt on one knee and said respectfully, "I am willing! Protecting the smiles of others is also my lifelong dream."
"Thank you. Now, you are the tenth Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps. Have you thought of your title?"
"A title? Let's call it the Fan Hashira... ah, no, let's go with the Cloud Hashira."
Ren thought about it for a moment and decided on his title. Lingyun was his name before crossing over. Since he had crossed over, he would leave his own legend in this Demon Slayer world.
"The Cloud Hashira? A very pleasant name!" Kagaya Ubuyashiki smiled gently, then put away his smile and said seriously, "Then I declare the Hashira Meeting officially started!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone shut their mouths simultaneously and sat neatly in the hall, and Ren was no exception.
At this time, Kagaya Ubuyashiki continued, "First, as Obanai said just now, the death of Upper Rank Three will definitely anger Muzan. He will surely use various schemes to target Ren, and may even send stronger Upper Ranks, such as Upper Rank One!"
"..."
Upon hearing this, everyone remained silent. Although they had never seen an Upper Rank demon, that did not prevent them from knowing their power.
In fact, it was fortunate they hadn't seen an Upper Rank, which was why they were able to appear here safe and sound. The Demon Slayer Corps members who encountered Upper Ranks in the past had all been obliterated; the grass on their graves would be two and a half meters high by now.
From the fact that the Demon Slayer Corps had never killed an Upper Rank demon, one could sense their terror. And regarding Upper Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki, one didn't need to think to know just how powerful he was.
"Everyone must be aware of the strength of the Upper Rank demons. But conversely, this is also our opportunity to kill them. We are in the light, and the enemy is in the dark, but we can wait at our leisure, make preparations in advance, and ambush the Upper Rank demons!"
Pausing for a moment, Kagaya Ubuyashiki glanced at Ren and revealed his plan.
"Muzan will definitely target Ren, so I want two Hashira to stay by his side. We will catch the demons Muzan sends to assassinate Ren in one fell swoop, thereby further weakening the demons' power. Ren, you are the key to this plan; you are the bait to attract the demons. I wonder if you are willing to accept this mission? If you are unwilling, I will not force you."
"It doesn't matter, Master. I am willing to accept this mission!"
A look of fanaticism flashed in Ren's eyes. He couldn't wait to fight stronger demons.
That way, not only would his basic attributes increase, but he would also have the chance to comprehend stronger combat techniques. What was not to like about that?
"Very good. Next is the matter of who will secretly assist Ren. Is anyone willing to go with Ren?"
As soon as his voice fell, Kocho Shinobu and Tomioka Giyu stood up at the same time and spoke in unison.
"Master, let me go!"
The two looked at each other first, then Shinobu spoke first.
"Master, I have experience fighting alongside Ren, and our coordination is seamless. Moreover, if Muzan wants to target Ren, he will very likely send Upper Rank Two as well. It just so happens that I need to settle things with him!"
"Master, I will go too. I am different from them; I will have no problem dealing with Upper Rank demons!"
'I am different from them. I am not worthy of being the Water Hashira. Upper Rank demons are very strong; even a Hashira might die. If someone must be sacrificed, then let it be me.'
This was what Tomioka Giyu thought, but the others didn't see it that way. Shinazugawa Sanemi stood up abruptly, pointed at Giyu, and raged.
"Bastard! Tomioka, are you looking down on us?"
"In what way are we different? Why don't you explain it to me!"
Following Sanemi, Obanai also spoke indignantly. The two sang the same tune, confusing Giyu, who felt a burst of incomprehension in his heart.
'Why are you angry? I am worried about you guys!'
Seeing the three of them like this, Ren also sighed helplessly.
As expected of the Doma among demons, and the Giyu among humans!
As expected of the "Gang up on Giyu" duo!
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]