Chapter 17: The Challenge |
Kanae smiled softly and looked away from the Hashira, not at all surprised by their reactions.
It was pointless to go into detail now. They would understand the true reason for themselves once they saw her in action.
A short while later.
The Hashira fell abruptly silent, casting narrowed gazes toward the dark corridor as the sound of measured footsteps echoed through the hall.
Soon, a man with a carefree air appeared in the doorway, clad in a loose white haori and accompanied by a silent girl with a sword strapped to her waist.
The leader of the Demon Slayer Corps had arrived.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
It was easy to guess that the girl following him was the newcomer they had discussed.
Currently, Kagaya was no older than many of the Hashira, and his physical condition was far better than it would have been in the original timeline years later. He was even able to walk steadily on his own, without any assistance.
The Hashira quickly concluded that the girl accompanying their leader was indeed the newcomer, yet they all knelt in unison without a word.
"I wish you good health, Oyakata-sama," Tengen replied respectfully.
One by one, the Hashira greeted their leader.
Though Kagaya Ubuyashiki possessed no combat prowess, his wisdom and leadership as the head of the Demon Slayers were beyond any doubt. He remembered the name of every single slayer and regularly honored the memory of those who had fallen.
It was this profound wisdom and broad perspective that had earned Kagaya the genuine respect and recognition of the Hashira.
"Now then, let us begin," Kagaya said, gesturing for them to rise with a gentle wave of his hand. "We have three interconnected matters to discuss. We shall start with the most vital."
After a brief pause, the leader spoke with a solemn tone, "The intelligence regarding Upper Moon Three."
The Hashira's expressions darkened instantly, confirming the true purpose of this meeting. They cast aside all other thoughts; after all, what could be more important than this?
"Upper Moon Three is known as Akaza. His Blood Demon Art allows him to sense killing intent, enabling him to instantly perceive and react to an opponent's attacks once it is activated. Furthermore, he has reached unparalleled heights in the realm of martial arts by utilizing the superior physiology of his demon body."
"According to Kanae Kocho's testimony, she struggled immensely to match Akaza in speed, but his raw strength is on an entirely different level."
"And most critically... Akaza has managed to overcome the vulnerability of his neck. Even a Nichirin Sword cannot slay him!"
Initially, the Hashira remained composed. Descriptions alone, without experiencing the horror firsthand, made it difficult to grasp the true terror of Akaza's Blood Demon Art.
However, their gazes turned heavy after the next revelation.
The demon's strength was on a level far beyond Kanae's!
This wasn't a reference to the slender Shinobu, but to Kanae Kocho, whose physical strength was recognized by everyone present. While she might have trailed some other Hashira in that specific area, she was still far beyond any ordinary slayer.
Even more significantly, she had barely been able to compete with his speed.
Every Hashira was familiar with the capabilities of their peers. Thus, they all knew that Kanae's greatest asset was her sheer speed. Out of everyone gathered there, perhaps only the current Wind Hashira could outpace the Flower Hashira.
Not only did Akaza possess a crushing advantage in physical strength, but he was also faster than Kanae.
The Upper Moons were infinitely more dangerous than the Lower Ranks!
Naturally, the hearts of the strongest Demon Slayers wavered at the final declaration.
"He can't be killed even by decapitation... are you certain? Could it be the work of a Blood Demon Art?" The Sound Hashira's voice trembled slightly.
Kagaya cast a silent glance toward Kanae.
Following their leader's lead, everyone else turned their eyes toward her as well.
The girl then stated solemnly, "I am certain! The demon lost his head to my blade, yet he did not fall. Instead, he simply grew a new one!"
The Hashira exchanged shocked looks at their colleague's testimony.
Decapitation was ineffective!
That meant Akaza could only be killed by sunlight. In other words, defeating him at night was impossible. The only option was to pin him down until sunrise...
"The opponent surpasses us in every aspect, and he cannot be killed directly. If we must hold him until dawn, a single Hashira certainly won't be enough," the Stone Hashira began in a heavy voice.
"This means that to even attempt to eliminate an Upper Moon, at least two—no, three or four of us—would be necessary. A lone fighter would face nothing but a pointless death," Gyomei's gaze sharpened with gravity.
"Then... according to your own words, you couldn't have beheaded the demon on your own, Kanae..." At this thought, those present shifted their gazes from the Flower Hashira to the girl who had remained silent beside Kagaya.
"You have guessed correctly," Kanae said with a broad smile. "The demon is powerful—terrifyingly so—but she is even stronger. I was only fortunate enough to behead Upper Moon Three because she suppressed him entirely by herself."
Following those words.
A deathly silence fell over the room.
Based on what had been said, even a Hashira stood no chance against Upper Moon Three alone, yet now Kanae was claiming that this girl had not only survived but had actually gained the upper hand single-handedly!
If that were truly the case...
This girl was stronger than any of the Hashira!
Some remained silent.
Others showed open astonishment.
A few cast looks of deep suspicion.
"If your words are true... Miss Makomo not only deserves credit for repelling the attack of Upper Moon Three, but she also surpasses me in strength. In that case, she is fully worthy of the title of Hashira. However..." The Sound Hashira's gaze toward the silent Makomo clearly reflected his skepticism.
Naturally.
No Hashira would believe such a thing without seeing it with their own eyes.
While the Hashira were still focused on Makomo, Kagaya's gentle voice broke the silence once more. "This brings us to the second matter."
"Miss Makomo has decided to join the ranks of the Demon Slayer Corps, and I recommend she be promoted to the rank of Hashira. However, given the circumstances, I require your approval. Therefore, let us dispel all doubts here and now..."
Each Hashira led a team of Demon Slayers, and they often had to coordinate their efforts. Thus, the Hashira were obligated to believe in one another's strength and abilities, regardless of personal opinions or relationships.
Otherwise, how could one truly trust another to watch their back?
"Well, if that is Oyakata-sama's wish..."
"Then..."
Clink! Clink!!
Tengen Uzui drew his twin blades from his back and, tilting his chin up, addressed Makomo. "I'll go first. Come on, just show us what you're made of!"