"Come on, you demon! I know that you want this blood, so don't deny your inner instincts and prove that you're in fact, a demon!" Sanemi taunted as he slowly inched his bloodied arm to Nezuko's face. I know that you wanted to prove that demons can't change, Sanemi but aren't you forcing this a little too much? Just because Ubuyashiki is here doesn't mean that you should overblow the situation to the point that you're willing to antagonize him. It's a good thing that Ubuyashiki is a very unbiased and understanding man but Sanemi should not attempt that type of action again in the future, especially if he saw something in that bullshit foresight of his.
"Oi, kid. If you attempt to break free of those restraints, then I'm going to stop you even if Hikigaya's protecting you." Iguro stated as he looks at Tanjiro with those heterochromia eyes of his. Ah, I remembered the first meeting that I participated in and the thing that stuck with me the most was the way Iguro is glaring at me every time I casually say Kagaya's name. The snake that he has on his shoulders wasn't very helpful in establishing a good first impression.
"I suggest that you listen to his words, Kamado-kun. We don't want your lungs squeezed just because you wanted to be a reckless idiot." As usual, Shinobu's words cut through a person's idiocy. Judging by how Tanjiro slumped down, she successfully calmed him down.
"Lung squeezed, veins popping. I like it! Sounds flamboyant! Start squeezing those lungs!" Uzui commented. I feel like Uzui is slowly becoming a fitness instructor with the way he says his words.
"Ah... What a poor soul. Such a weak and pathetic child to hold sympathy for a demon. Namu Amida Butsu." With the way how Gyomei said that you would think that he's empathizing with Tanjiro. Gyomei is such a pro! I want him to become my master at making hidden-meaning sentences!
Looking at Tanjiro, it seems like he's getting restless. Need to reassure him again in case he tries to break free. "Tanjiro, I can call you Tanjiro, right?" Seeing him nod, I continued. "I have a request to make, Tanjiro. Can you guarantee to me that you'll stay put and believe in Nezuko's ability to resist Shinazugawa's attempts at making her bite his arm?"
Seeing him nod the moment I uttered my words is a relief on my heart. Not only is Tanjiro sure of Nezuko not taking the bait but it also means that I wouldn't have to commit seppuku! The only thing that I need is to make a good reason that I can say to Kanae. No doubt she would chain me to the bed if I can't give her a proper explanation.
Hearing Sanemi gasp, I looked back to see Nezuko turning her head. Even though her saliva is still dripping and blood is slowly dripping to the floor, Nezuko resisted the intoxicating Marechi blood. Whew. She did it. Thank god.
"What just happened?" Ubuyashiki asked. I know that you knew what just happened, man.
"The demon girl turned her head in disgust." Hinaki started.
"Although she's been stabbed two times by Shinazugawa-sama and despite flaunting his bloodied arm in her face, she restrained herself and did not bite." Nichika finished. Hearing Sanemi tsk's is just music to my ears.
"So now, it's been proven that Nezuko won't attack humans, right?" Turning around, he looked at us before his gaze turned towards mine. Although he's blind, I'm sure that he's looking straight at me. Sighing heavily, I took out one of my hidden knives inside my haori and proceeded to remove the restraints that are currently enveloping Tanjiro's wrist. Shooting me a look of gratitude, he ran towards the railings of the house since he doesn't have the energy to move. I'm still surprised that Tanjiro has the strength to move around despite the injuries that he managed to sustain.
It seems like that old goblin managed to train Tanjiro well. I'm proud of him; to train and teach someone again despite losing numerous students is a good step forward for Urokodaki.
"Tanjiro, I'm sure that even after this, there are some people who can't accept Nezuko. As such, you must prove it to them starting now. That you and Nezuko can fight as Demon Slayers. That you can be useful." If there's one thing that Ubuyashiki has that I don't is the way he puts someone at ease. It's because of this that he managed to make the Demon Slayer Corps the way it is today with how he managed to gather the, arguably, most powerful unit of Pillars. Except for me, of course. I'm pretty weak compared to the rest of my peers. The only thing that I could do is to copy other breathing forms. Even then, they came out rather lackluster. Heck, just two weeks ago, Muichiro managed to defeat me in our spar before I departed back to Hokkaido.
Still, it doesn't mean that I've given up. I train to the best of my abilities. Training in the mountains of Hokkaido while using Full Focus Breathing during the winter is said to be dangerous but I still did it. Although I almost lost my lives too many times during the attempt. It's not my fault that the body is not equipped to handle cold temperatures. That's why I'm training it to be so, you know?!
"Nezuko and I shall defeat Kibitsuji Muzan! Nezuko and I will do it for sure. We shall strike with the sword that will stop the chain of grief!" I felt my back shivering at Tanjiro's words. Why did you have to say such chuuni words with such a straight face? I thought that I already escaped it with me being sent back a century to the past. Did you read one of my books, Tanjiro!?
"As you're ill-equipped to do so right now, Tanjiro, let's start by defeating a Twelve Kizuki, all right?" That's a burn so good that it made me want to laugh.
"Yes, sir..." When Tanjiro meekly said that, I laughed. Hard.
"The Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps have phenomenal skills." Ubuyashiki started even though I'm still laughing. Between the rise of demon activity all around Japan, plus the stress of having a kid being born through my loins, I needed that moment of respite. "After training themselves to death, they have defied death numerous times, and they've also defeated members of the Twelve Upper Moons."
"That is a good attitude to have, Kamado Tanjiro!" Kyojuro proclaimed. Of course, you would approve of his dedication. He's almost like a carbon copy of Kyojuro, now that I noticed.
"That is why the Pillars receive respect and preferential treatment. So, Tanjiro, mind your manners when you speak. Okay?" That's a reprimand if I saw one. Tanjiro could only nod at his words. The kid is tired, so I can't blame him.
"One more thing. Sanemi, Obanai. Don't torment the younger ones too much." It's carefully hidden, but the strictness within his words are there. The two could do nothing but comply because it was, indeed, harsh.
"We have concluded our business with you, Tanjiro. You may step back." After saying that, I saw Shinobu raising her hand. And what are you planning now?
"In that case, allow me to take Kamado-kun into the Butterfly Estate."
Huh? "Huh?"
Shaking my head, I turned my head towards Shinobu, who's giving me a look that I can only describe as the same look that Kanae gives me when I'm about to do something stupid. Can you please stop giving me that look, Shinobu? I don't want to be reminded of what is going to happen later. Kanae is going to chain me! Again!
Clapping two times, she called out, "Take them away, please!"
Seeing the Kakushi running towards us and the other one towards Nezuko with a scared look on their face is disorienting for me. Do I look that scary? I admit that my eyes are like those of a dead fish, but I still resent the fact!
"Pardon me for cutting in front of you!" Bowing first to Ubuyashiki and then to the rest of us, the Kakushi proceeded to roughly lift Tanjiro off the ground with the other one following next. And there they went.
After a few seconds of silence, Ubuyashiki started, "Now then, let us begin the Pillar Meeting - " Before he could finish, however, I could hear running towards, our right?
"Hold on a second!" Dropping from the ground and even though being punched by both the Kakushi's, Tanjiro spoke, "Please allow me to head-butt that man covered in scars!"
"His name is Shinazugawa Sanemi, by the way, Tanjiro," I added, ignoring the shove that Gyomei gave me.
"I gotta head-butt him as many times as he stabbed Nezuko! Head-butting isn't a violation of the Corps rules, right?" Tanjiro has the biggest balls that I've ever seen. Requesting to head-butt a Pillar would take some guts. And he has a lot of them.
Before I could respond, however, I saw pebbles flying towards Tanjiro's face. I looked to my left to see Muichiro glaring towards Tanjiro. Huh, I wonder why he looks pissed. I ask him about that later. "You're not allowed to interrupt the Master."
Although I wanted to see more of Tanjiro's antics, I do want to have the meeting started. I'm still tired from the trip and I need to sleep. Don't want to crash my head onto the floor due to tiredness. Now that would be embarrassing. "Take care of him on the way to the mansion, okay? He's still injured so I advise that you be careful with him." I advised.
Nodding fervently, the two Kakushi left the same way they came. Before they leave, Ubuyashiki left some parting words, "Tanjiro, give my regards to Tamayo-san."
And with that, they finally left.
"Well then, that was a rather productive meeting." I started. And it was indeed rather productive. But enough about that, I still need to sleep.
"Kamado Tanjiro... he's quite an interesting character, wouldn't you agree, my children?" Ubuyashiki asked. Yeah, that would pick Ubuyashiki's interest.
"I can see him rising flamboyantly into the ranks if he keeps on doing what he's doing!" So even Uzui is intrigued. Can't blame him.
"Yes! If he continues improving upon himself, then he could be a Pillar candidate!" Kyojuro proclaimed.
"Tch. The brat's all talk and no bite. He could never become a Pillar candidate if he continues bumbling around." Is that spite I hear in your voice, Sanemi? You're just pissed that Kamado seems to be liked by Ubiyashiki.
"I'm starting to hate him too..." And why is that, Tokito? Don't your dare mumble it!
"He already broke the Demon Slayer Corps' rules, but if the Master wants to let him go, then I can't argue with it." Iguro is jealous. I can tell.
"Enough. I'm still tired from the trip, and I want to get this out before we continue." Seeing them calming down, I continued. "Master, I have important news to bring that I can't disclose over the Kasugaigarasu."
The mood shifted from carefree to serious within seconds. Normally I wouldn't use the word Master, but due to the importance of the information, I deemed it necessary to keep it a secret.
"And what is that information, Hikigaya?" Ubuyashiki asked. Taking a deep breath, I continued.
"I have information on how Kibitsuji keeps himself hidden."
Judging from the wide eyes and shock that is covering their faces, I can't blame them. With the information that I've managed to gather, we are one step closer to knowing where Muzan is.
Only need to find the demon that can open another dimension and we're set.
Can't be that hard, right? I hope it isn't hard. I'd rather lie down in bed than work. Killing demons is already hard enough, I don't want extra work being given to me.