Chapter 11 Ubuyashiki's Plea
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's almost burning, earnest gaze locked onto Arthur, making the latter frown slightly, a strange expression in his eyes.
"This should be our first meeting, right?"
Arthur's tone was somewhat casual as he spread his palms.
"Don't you think you should explain the situation to me first?"
His casual attitude instantly ignited the anger of several Pillars in the courtyard, and sharp gazes shot towards Arthur in unison.
However, Kagaya Ubuyashiki seemed oblivious, nodding very naturally, and explaining the situation in a gentle yet weak voice.
It turned out that the Ubuyashiki Clan had been intermarrying with women of priestly bloodlines for generations.
This not only alleviated the curse of their family members' short lifespans but also granted them a special ability akin to precognition.
The Ubuyashiki Clan accumulated immense wealth through this ability, and then invested it unreservedly into the construction and operation of the Demon Slayer Corps, supporting this team that had fought demons for a thousand years.
"Just last night!"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's weak voice suddenly rose, and an unusual light flickered in his eyes.
"I foresaw a scene—a man holding a brilliant platinum holy sword, and before him, the Demon King collapsing entirely and wailing to the sky."
After listening to his narration, Arthur nodded thoughtfully and interjected.
"So, you foresaw that the Demon King named Muzan Kibutsuji would die by my hand, and that's why you hurriedly sent a Kasugai Crow to invite me to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters?"
"As you say."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's face broke into a smile mixed with anticipation and pain.
He yearned to end Muzan Kibutsuji more than anyone, but his frail body couldn't even wield a sword, so this long-cherished wish could only be placed on the prophecy.
"Mr. Arthur, I heard that your journey is precisely to quell the chaos."
"I…"
He took a deep breath, trying to straighten his body, but it triggered a violent fit of coughing.
"Cough cough… cough! I… I can have the entire Demon Slayer Corps assist you with all their might! I only ask… I only ask that you lend a hand and help us end this nightmare that has entangled us for a thousand years!"
The impact of the prophecy and the shock of witnessing Arthur's power firsthand made this family head, burdened with a thousand years of resentment, unable to suppress his inner excitement any longer.
He suddenly hunched over and coughed violently, dark red blood immediately spilling from his palm.
"Master! Please take care of yourself!"
"Although I deeply respect the Master, isn't this decision too hasty!"
"But Mr. Arthur is truly strong, even Mr. Sanemi…"
"Mitsuri, don't talk nonsense."
"Ah~ I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! Mr. Sanemi, I didn't mean to say that!"
"Namu Amida Butsu, Mr. Arthur's strength is beyond doubt, we are ashamed of our inferiority."
In the courtyard, the opinions of the Pillars were clearly not unified.
Some were concerned about the Master's decision, while others were impressed by the strength Arthur displayed.
...
Kagaya Ubuyashiki finally managed to calm his rapid breathing, a sickly blush appearing on his pale face.
He looked up, his gaze falling on Arthur again, his voice weak but with an undeniable earnestness.
"Mr. Arthur, if you have any other concerns, please speak frankly. Perhaps we can also share your burden."
Arthur shook his head, his expression calm.
"It's not a concern, I do feel that Demon King has some problems."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
"You said the Demon Slayer Corps can assist me, but I'm new here after all. How much information do you have about that Muzan Kibutsuji?"
This question clearly made Kagaya Ubuyashiki look troubled.
"Information about Muzan Kibutsuji…"
Arthur's direct attitude left this thoughtful Master momentarily speechless.
Although the Demon Slayer Corps had been entangled with demons for a thousand years, the actual information about the Demon King himself was pitifully scarce.
That Demon King not only possessed unimaginable power but also the eerie ability to transform into anyone, his whereabouts elusive and extremely difficult to track.
Even when occasional clues were caught, they were merely vague rumors.
More importantly, some of the information Kagaya Ubuyashiki possessed had a special source and was truly unsuitable for public disclosure in front of all the Pillars.
In this subtle silence, Tanjiro, who had been pressed to the ground and almost became part of the background, suddenly struggled.
He broke free, looked up, and shouted with all his might.
"Mr. Arthur! I know! I know information about Muzan Kibutsuji!"
"Nani!?"
Instantly, all the Pillars' gazes shot towards Tanjiro like arrows, their faces filled with astonishment and disbelief.
The Demon King's information, which the Demon Slayer Corps had spent countless manpower and resources trying to find, was known by this rule-breaking member who carried a demon?
Arthur first glanced at the conflicted 'as expected' expression on Kagaya Ubuyashiki's face, then stepped towards the boy lying on the ground.
"I remember your name is Tanjiro Kamado, right?"
His voice was still calm, and he made a move to untie Tanjiro.
"Tell me in detail about that Demon King's information."
"Okay, I…"
Tanjiro opened his mouth, subconsciously looking at the Pillars around him, who had various expressions and were staring intently at him.
His mouth, which was faster than his brain, was now racing with thoughts.
'No!'
'Mr. Arthur isn't part of the Demon Slayer Corps. He's willing to save Nezuko, but the Pillars will definitely not let Miss Tamayo go… The source of this information cannot be known by the Demon Slayer Corps!'
Having made up his mind, Tanjiro looked up again, meeting everyone's gaze with determination.
"The information about Muzan Kibutsuji concerns another benefactor of mine! I'm very sorry, but I can only tell Mr. Arthur alone!"
"What did you say, you brat!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa's veins bulged on his forehead, and his right hand was already on his Nichirin Blade.
"Not only do you travel with a demon, but you dare to hoard information about the Demon King!"
Tengen Uzui stroked his chin, his eyes becoming dangerous.
"Indeed, he should be beheaded! Let me flamboyantly chop off his head!"
The atmosphere grew tense again, and a dispute was on the verge of breaking out. Tanjiro's words had almost torn through the thin veil.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki raised his hand to gesture for calm, his gentle yet firm voice soothing the agitated Pillars.
"Tanjiro Kamado, that benefactor you mentioned, is it Miss Tamayo?"
Tanjiro's body trembled violently, his eyes filled with disbelief.
He never expected that the supreme leader of the Demon Slayer Corps would actually know Miss Tamayo, who was a demon?
Kagaya Ubuyashiki first gave Tanjiro a gentle and tolerant smile, then turned to Arthur, bowing slightly.
"Please forgive me, Mr. Arthur. I did hesitate just now whether to tell you this information."
"After all, Miss Tamayo's identity—is somewhat special and not suitable for public disclosure."
Arthur's gaze shifted between Kagaya Ubuyashiki and Tanjiro, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"I see, I can probably understand your concerns. Let's discuss it privately later then."
"Thank you for your understanding."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki nodded gently, his expression relaxing.
...
Thus, the topic of specific information about Muzan Kibutsuji was temporarily put aside.
Although the Pillars and Tanjiro present all had doubts, judging by Arthur's and Kagaya Ubuyashiki's expressions, they clearly had no intention of discussing it further immediately.
Next, Kagaya Ubuyashiki began to address the issue of Tanjiro and Nezuko.
He produced a written life guarantee co-signed by the former Water Pillar Sakonji Urokodaki and the current Water Pillar Tomioka Giyu, and clearly expressed his trust in the Kamado siblings.
Under the Master's insistence and the guarantee of the two Water Pillars, despite the remaining doubts among the Pillars, they finally reluctantly agreed to Nezuko's existence as a Demon Slayer.
Subsequently, Tanjiro and Nezuko were secretly taken to the Butterfly Mansion for treatment and placement.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki, feeling unwell and unable to move for long periods, knelt on the veranda and extended an invitation to Arthur.
"Mr. Arthur, if you don't mind, you can temporarily stay at this residence during this time. As the headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps, its safety is guaranteed."
Arthur, however, shook his head and asked in return.
"What is that Butterfly Mansion you just mentioned?"
Upon hearing this, Kagaya Ubuyashiki gestured to Kocho Shinobu, who was nearby.
As the owner of the Butterfly Mansion, Kocho Shinobu stepped forward and explained with a smile.
"That is a place specifically for Demon Slayer Corps members to receive treatment and rehabilitation training. Is Mr. Arthur interested in the Butterfly Mansion?"
"No."
Arthur shook his head again, his gaze turning towards the direction Nezuko had been taken, with a hint of pity and inquiry in his eyes.
"I'm interested in that girl named Nezuko."
"According to your statements, becoming a demon makes one crave flesh and blood, but she can suppress this instinct."
Arthur's voice was calm, yet carried the undeniable air of a scholar.
"She even retains her self-awareness and can fight other demons? This kind of power—cannot be explained by sleep alone."
Kocho Shinobu's polite smile stiffened slightly. She looked at Arthur, a hint of probing in her tone.
"Could it be—Mr. Arthur also has some knowledge of medicine?"
A bitter arc formed on Arthur's lips, and he self-deprecatingly said.
"Of course, I've dealt with various medical equipment for much longer than you might imagine."
Upon hearing this, Kagaya Ubuyashiki immediately understood Arthur's intention.
He seized the opportunity to arrange for Arthur to temporarily stay at the Butterfly Mansion, so he could observe Nezuko's situation closely, and at the same time made a promise.
"I will give orders to have all relevant materials collected by the Ubuyashiki Clan throughout generations sent to the Butterfly Mansion for your perusal."
The weight of this promise was considerable.
Several Pillars who knew the family's deep resources were secretly startled, and their gazes towards Arthur became even more complex.