Kimetsu no Yaiba doesn't belong to me. I decided to continue this story, so, here it is the twenty first chapter!
Ume and Gyutaro looked down, showing respect. They were in the garden of the master's house, and in front of them, with an unusual solemnity for a girl her age, was Ayumi, Muzan's only daughter.
The Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps were also present, observing the two brothers with curiosity and complete silence.
"My father won't be able to attend the meetings anymore," Ayumi declared, fixing her beautiful and expressive eyes on those present. "I'm afraid his health is more delicate now than ever before."
"It's sad to hear that," Managi said when no one seemed willing to say anything. "If possible, I would like you to convey our wish for his health to improve."
Ayumi pressed her lips slightly but eventually managed to smile politely. "I will do so. I'm sure my father will be grateful to hear it."
Kagome looked at the girl, curious. Although her expression and gaze revealed nothing, Kagome knew she was lying. The sound Ayumi's heart emitted betrayed her true feelings. But she didn't comment on it.
"It's not my business." Kagome shifted slightly, feeling a cramp in her foot, and ignored the warning glance from Hakuji.
"Given my father's precarious state and my status as his successor, I will be in charge of the meetings from now on," Ayumi declared firmly. "I have read all your reports, and I wanted to discuss that."
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but even if they were Douma's successors, what are these two doing here?" Managi asked, glancing at Ume and Gyutaro.
"Both of them are Kinoe," Ayumi stated firmly, looking at him seriously. "And I believe none of you can deny that they have more than adequate skill to become Pillars."
Upon hearing that, Gyutaro and Ume both abruptly lifted their heads and exchanged a look of disbelief. The young girl, however, soon smiled with excitement. But Managi and Hakuji frowned.
"With all due respect, Miss Kibutsuji," Hakuji said, raising his head slightly to look at her, "even though they have that rank, they have not yet killed the required number of demons or any Lower Moons."
Ayumi suppressed a grimace at hearing that. She had expected it but couldn't help but wish it hadn't been brought up. She looked at all the present Pillars, and they were all waiting for her response.
"I'm aware of that, but we need someone who can take care of the Douma and Hantengu regions," the girl said firmly. "And at the moment, the best candidates are the two of them."
Hakuji clenched his fists for a moment. "We can't promote anyone just for that; they have to earn it. We've all done so here."
Ayumi had to bite her tongue to keep herself from succumbing to the anger that was beginning to build up. "They have survived a battle against several Lower Moons," she reminded the Pillars, "and according to my father's reports, they have each killed nearly fifty demons."
The Snow Pillar averted his gaze upon hearing that but didn't protest again, allowing the girl to continue speaking.
"I consider that they have earned their place among the Pillars by their own merit," Ayumi concluded. As she said that, she locked eyes with everyone present, silently challenging them to oppose her words.
"I understand," the Snow Pillar said, serious.
Ayumi cleared her throat and finally focused her attention on Ume and Gyutaro. The brothers, showing respect, looked down.
"Gyutaro Shabana," Ayumi called, adopting a solemn tone. "Do you swear to continue serving the Demon Slayer Corps as the Pillar of the Poison Breathing?"
"I swear," the young man declared without hesitation. Ayumi allowed herself to smile slightly, satisfied. But when she turned her attention to Ume, her expression became serious again.
"And you, Ume Shabana, do you swear to continue serving the Demon Slayer Corps as the Pillar of the Beauty Breathing?"
Ume swallowed and closed her eyes, gathering courage. "I swear."
All the weight Ayumi felt on her shoulders disappeared, and the girl couldn't help but feel lighter. It was as if she had just taken a very important step.
Kokushibo watched as the other Pillars left. He turned his gaze to Muzan's daughter. The girl sighed and looked at him with some suspicion.
"Is something the matter, Kokushibo?" Ayumi asked, offering a polite smile.
"I would like to talk privately, if possible," the demon said, locking his six eyes onto her face, defiantly.
Ayumi suppressed a shiver and nodded slightly. "Of course, but if it's something important, you should have mentioned it during the meeting."
"It's something better discussed in private."
"I understand," Ayumi said. She made a gesture to enter the house, intending to address the matter in a more intimate setting.
"I would prefer to discuss it here," Kokushibo said, not moving from where he stood in the garden.
"Very well, what is it?" Ayumi asked, crossing her arms defensively against her chest.
"I would like to know why a squad of Mizunotos was assigned to such a dangerous mission," the demon demanded.
Ayumi sighed upon hearing that. "Unfortunately, I am unaware of my father's motivations behind that."
"Among those Mizunotos was Nezuko Kamado, the only user besides me of the Moon Breathing," Kokushibo clarified, his expression serious.
"Your successor?" Ayumi asked, interested.
"No, I'm afraid not," Kokushibo said. "But I'm concerned about assigning missions above her rank."
"I understand your concern," Ayumi commented, observing the Pillar. "But at the moment, there's not much I can do."
"Until the death of your father," Kokushibo said casually, observing the girl's reaction with interest.
"That's correct," she agreed solemnly. "Changing the subject, have you considered making that girl your successor?"
"I cannot," the demon replied. "It is part of the agreement I made with one of your ancestors."
"And what does this agreement entail?" the girl asked with interest. "My father hasn't mentioned anything like that to me."
"I cannot give up my position in any way or have a successor," the demon recited from memory.
"But you can have, unofficially, a successor, right?"
Kokushibo furrowed his brow slightly upon hearing that and took a moment to respond. "I suppose, just as I was not explicitly forbidden from teaching my breathing style," he recounted. "But I will not expose her to further danger; it would put a target on her back."
"Or you could protect her more effectively," Ayumi insisted. "And I can ensure that this remains a secret. My father won't find out."
Kokushibo didn't seem entirely convinced. "I would like to think it over carefully."
"I'm afraid we don't have that luxury," Ayumi informed him seriously. "The next meeting is in six months, and by then, it could be too late." Kokushibo furrowed his brow, understanding what she meant, but Ayumi wasn't finished speaking. "And the crows answer to my father. If you were to send me a response using yours, he would find out."
Kokushibo growled slightly and closed his three pairs of eyes. He suppressed a sarcastic laugh. "I want to protect Nezuko, but is this the right way?" He opened his eyes and looked at the girl. "I will do it."
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