"Don't be so agitated, Sanemi."
"I know your hatred for demons, but this girl is different from previous demons; she is a victim just like you."
"No matter how much you question it, the fact that she hasn't eaten a human for two years is undeniable."
"If we kill her now, what's the difference between that and killing a 14-year-old girl?"
As soon as Tomioka Giyu finished speaking, two tender childish voices reached everyone's ears.
"The Master is here!"
Accompanied by the childish voices, Ubuyashiki Kagaya walked out, supported by two small girls.
"Good morning, everyone. The weather is truly beautiful today. Is the sky blue?"
"I am truly pleased that everyone could gather here for the semi-annual Hashira Meeting."
Meanwhile, the ten Hashira lined up in a row, all kneeling on one knee to welcome the Master.
"Master, we are deeply relieved to see you well!"
"We wish you continued good health."
Tomioka Giyu sighed inwardly, "The Master's curse has already affected his eyes..."
Beside him, Shinazugawa Sanemi looked up and continued, "With all due respect, Master."
"Before the Hashira Meeting begins, regarding this swordsman who travels with a demon, Kamado Tanjiro..."
"Could you please explain?"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya bowed slightly, first apologizing to everyone, then spoke.
"Yes, I apologize for startling you all."
"I have accepted Tanjiro and Nezuko, and I hope everyone else can accept them too."
Himejima Gyomei clasped his hands together, being the first to refuse.
"Ah, ah... Even if it is the Master's request, I find it difficult to comply."
Kanroji Mitsuri looked at Ubuyashiki Kagaya and said with great admiration, "I will obey all of the Master's requests (˃ ⌑ ˂ ഃ)."
Tokito Muichiro's eyes were dim and lifeless as he murmured, "It doesn't matter; I'll forget about either side immediately."
Uzui Tengen was silent, seemingly considering what Tomioka Giyu had just said.
Kochou Shinobu still didn't speak, apparently still unable to make a decision.
Kochou Kanae, however, spoke up, "I believe what Tomioka-san said, and I also believe the Master's judgment!"
Iguro Obanai maintained his opposition from beginning to end.
"Cannot be trusted, cannot be trusted! Besides, I hate demons the most."
Rengoku Kyojuro was the same, his voice booming, "Even if it is the Master whom I respect from the bottom of my heart, I cannot accept your view!"
"I strongly object! Setting aside whether it's true that she hasn't eaten a human for two years..."
"Even if it is true, if she eats a human in the future, it will be irreversible!"
"The people who are killed cannot be brought back to life!"
Shinazugawa Sanemi gritted his teeth, enunciating each word.
"Slaying demons is what the Demon Slayer Corps is about!"
"I hope you will punish both members, Kamado and Tomioka!"
Tomioka Giyu said nothing more; he had said all he could. Now it was up to the Master.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya also offered no further explanations, but softly said, "Bring out the letter."
Beside him, the white-haired little girl opened the letter.
"This letter was sent by the former Hashira-ranked swordsman, Urokodaki Sakonji-sama."
"Let me read an excerpt to everyone—"
"Please forgive Tanjiro for acting alongside his demon sister."
"Nezuko maintains strong Mental Energy and human rationality; even when hungry, she will not eat humans."
"She has lived this way for two years."
"I apologize for this sudden and unbelievable situation, but it is undoubtedly true."
"If Nezuko attacks a human, Kamado Tanjiro, and—"
"Urokodaki Sakonji and Tomioka Giyu will commit seppuku to atone!"
After the letter was read, everyone was silent for a long time, and Tanjiro, looking at Tomioka Giyu's cold face, burst into tears.
He hadn't expected his master and Senior Brother to go to such lengths for him.
Noticing Tanjiro's gaze, Tomioka Giyu appeared calm on the surface, but in his heart, he wanted to tell him,
Don't cry, Junior Brother. Your Senior Brother didn't completely volunteer for this either, but at this point, he had no choice but to agree.
Shinazugawa Sanemi first glanced at Tomioka Giyu, but seeing him still with that cold expression, he flared up, saying,
"What does seppuku prove?! If you want to die so badly, go find a place to die and rot away!"
"This doesn't guarantee anything!"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya spoke unhurriedly and eloquently, "Indeed, as you say."
"It cannot guarantee that she won't attack humans, nor can it prove that she won't attack humans in the future."
"But, conversely..."
"It also cannot prove that she will attack humans."
Hearing this, the expressions on the ten Hashira's faces varied, with Shinazugawa Sanemi's reaction being the most intense.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya continued, "Nezuko has not eaten a human for two years; this fact is before us."
"For Nezuko, Urokodaki Sakonji and Tomioka Giyu have even staked their lives."
"If one wishes to deny this fact, then the denying party must pay an even greater price."
Everyone was silent, with only the highly righteous Rengoku Kyojuro uttering an "Mm."
Immediately after, Ubuyashiki Kagaya delivered another explosive piece of news to everyone.
"Moreover, Tanjiro has experience encountering Kibutsuji Muzan."
At these words, all nine Hashira present, except Tomioka Giyu, eagerly pressed for answers.
"Wh-what?! What does he look like?! What are his abilities?! Where is he?!"
"Have you fought him?"
"What is Kibutsuji doing?! Have you found his base?! Hey, answer me!"
"Shut up, Sanemi! I asked first! Tell me Kibutsuji's abilities!"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya put a finger to his lips, signaling everyone to be quiet, then spoke.
"Kibutsuji, he... sent his subordinates to hunt Tanjiro, perhaps simply to reduce the population."
"I want to seize the first tail Kibutsuji has shown and not let go."
"Perhaps something unexpected by Kibutsuji has happened to Nezuko, who knows."
"So, do you understand?"
The Hashira were not fools; of course, they understood the meaning of Ubuyashiki Kagaya's words, but Shinazugawa Sanemi was completely unwilling to accept such a thing.
"I don't understand, Master!"
"If she were human, letting her live would be fine, but a demon is not acceptable; I cannot accept it!"
No sooner had he spoken than Shinazugawa Sanemi drew his nichirin blade, directly cutting his arm, and blood dripped onto the ground.
"Sanemi..." Ubuyashiki Kagaya hadn't expected Shinazugawa Sanemi to do such a thing.
"Master! Let me prove what a hideous creature a demon is!"
"Tomioka, give me the box!"
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