Shinobu Kocho stood on the palace roof, the night wind fluttering the hem of her purple kimono. Allen had already disappeared into the darkness, but his words still echoed in her ears.
"Resurrecting my sister... can humans and demons truly coexist peacefully?"
Her fingers unconsciously touched the butterfly hair ornament at her waist, the only memento her sister, Kanae Kocho, had left her. Under the moonlight, a flicker of wavering emotion crossed Shinobu's wisteria-colored eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.
"No, how can I trust a demon's words?" she murmured to herself, then turned and leaped towards the city outskirts.
The Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters was brightly lit. When Shinobu Kocho rushed back, she found that all the Pillars had already gathered in the Master's courtyard. Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat composedly on the veranda, his pale face appearing exceptionally serene in the candlelight.
"Shinobu, you've returned," his voice was gentle yet carried an undeniable authority. "What is the situation?"
Shinobu Kocho knelt on one knee and recounted everything she had seen and heard. When she mentioned that Allen could resurrect the dead, a commotion immediately erupted in the courtyard.
"Absurd!" Sanemi Shinazugawa stood up abruptly, his Wind Pillar haori flapping in the night wind. "You believe a demon's lies? That Lin... that guy clearly wants to divide us!"
Gyomei Himejima pressed his hands together, tears continuously streaming from his blind eyes. "Amitabha, but if he truly could resurrect others..."
"Hey! Monk, snap out of it!" Sanemi Shinazugawa irritably ran a hand through his white hair. Although he also had someone he wished to resurrect, he would not hesitate when faced with such a critical decision. "That guy is allied with Muzan now! I can't believe I once admired him..."
Giyu Tomioka stood silently in the corner, but the hand gripping his sword trembled slightly. He thought of Sabito and his own sister. If it were truly possible to resurrect them...
"Master!" Sanemi Shinazugawa turned to Kagaya Ubuyashiki. "Please order all members to assemble immediately! We must launch a full-scale attack while they are still getting established!"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki gently raised his hand, and the courtyard immediately fell silent. He turned to Shinobu Kocho. "Shinobu, what else did Mr. Allen say?"
"He said... he'd only give us two days to consider," Shinobu's voice was a bit dry. "In two days, he will temporarily leave this world with Muzan and the others."
"Leave?" Uzui Tengen touched the flamboyant ornament on his chin. "What exactly is Mr. Allen planning? Such a flamboyant person is truly unpredictable."
Mitsuri Kanroji nervously wrung her fingers. "Actually, I... I don't think Mr. Allen is a bad person. He even helped us train before."
Kyojuro Rengoku's hearty laughter echoed in the courtyard. "Mitsuri is right! Although Mr. Allen's stance has changed, I still trust his character!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa abruptly turned and glared at Kyojuro. "Hey! Are you out of your mind? He's allied with Muzan now!"
"But recently, incidents of demons killing people have indeed decreased. Muzan said they've assigned the task of eliminating lower-ranking demons to a newly established squad, treating it as training," Shinobu Kocho said softly, a hint of complexity flashing in her wisteria-like eyes.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki coughed gently a few times, and everyone immediately quieted down.
A gentle smile appeared on his pale face. "Everyone, I understand your conflicting feelings. But no matter what, the Demon Slayer Corps' purpose is to protect humans from demons. Since demons are no longer preying on humans, our stance also needs to be re-evaluated."
He paused, his voice becoming even softer. "As for the condition Mr. Allen proposed... resurrecting lost loved ones, that is indeed unsettling."
"But I hope everyone understands that life and death are fated. Forcibly reversing the laws of nature could lead to unforeseen consequences."
Gyomei Himejima pressed his hands together, tears continuously streaming down. "Master is right, but if only such an opportunity truly existed."
Silence fell over the courtyard, each person contemplating this difficult choice.
Obanai Iguro sat cross-legged in the corner, his white snake Kaburamaru coiled around his neck. He said softly, "Ultimately, we're not even sure if Allen truly possesses such an ability."
"Perhaps he truly might," Kagaya Ubuyashiki suddenly said, and everyone's gaze focused on him.
"Mr. Allen possesses a power we cannot comprehend. This was evident when he helped us train."
Sanemi Shinazugawa irritably ran a hand through his hair. "So what? Are we just going to believe a liar? Believe he can resurrect the dead? And then meekly become his subordinates?"
"Sanemi," Kagaya Ubuyashiki said gently but firmly, "Anger solves nothing. We need to think more calmly."
Just then, a member of the Kakushi rushed in, kneeling on one knee. "Report! Latest news from Kyoto! His Majesty the Emperor has issued a new decree, announcing the formation of a'Special Public Security Department,' to be directly led by Douma, responsible for eradicating the remaining Man-eating Demons nationwide!"
Shinobu Kocho's eyes widened in surprise. "Are they really clearing out other demons?"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki nodded thoughtfully. "It seems Mr. Allen is indeed establishing a new order. Everyone, I think we need to re-examine the current situation."
He slowly stood up, as if able to see into everyone's hearts. "How about this: those who are willing to believe Mr. Allen can choose whether to accept his conditions. For those who are unwilling, the Demon Slayer Corps will also respect your choice."
"Master!" Sanemi Shinazugawa cried out in disbelief. "You are splitting the Demon Slayer Corps!"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki shook his head. "No, I am merely giving everyone the freedom to choose. After all, if Mr. Allen can truly do what he says, it will be an irresistible temptation for many."
Silence fell over the courtyard once more, everyone struggling internally. Giyu Tomioka suddenly spoke, his voice low. "I want to see him."
"Me too," Shinobu Kocho softly echoed.
Kyojuro Rengoku laughed heartily, patting his chest. "I also want to see Mr. Allen! To ask him directly about his intentions!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa watched his wavering companions one by one, then turned and walked away in anger. "Suit yourselves! But I will never bow to a demon!"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki did not stop him, only saying softly, "Whatever choices you all make, I will respect them. But please remember, the Demon Slayer Corps' purpose will always be to protect innocent people."
The night deepened, but the discussion within the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters continued until dawn. When the first ray of sunlight streamed into the courtyard, everyone finally made their respective decisions.
Shinobu Kocho, Kyojuro Rengoku, Giyu Tomioka, and Gyomei Himejima decided to go to Kyoto to meet Allen. Mitsuri Kanroji hesitated repeatedly, ultimately choosing to stay behind, while Sanemi Shinazugawa, Obanai Iguro, and Uzui Tengen maintained their original stance, refusing to have any contact with Allen.
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