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"You're back," Kagaya said, waving to Kaito, Obanai, and Mitsuri.
"Come here, Mitsuri, join us."
Kaito and Obanai nodded and walked over.
Mitsuri, excited, let out a cheerful response before hurrying to catch up with them.
Kaito stood beside Kagaya, while Obanai joined the line of Hashira.
Mitsuri hesitated, standing to the side with an anxious expression, unsure where to go.
Kagaya glanced at Kaito, who nodded. Smiling gently at Mitsuri, he said, "From this moment, Mitsuri, you are the Love Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps."
"Huh? I'm a Hashira already?" Mitsuri said, shocked and bewildered.
"No need to be surprised," Kagaya said soothingly. "I consulted with the other Hashira, and during the recent training, they all acknowledged your strength."
"Thank you! Thank you, everyone!" Mitsuri said, tears welling up as she bowed repeatedly to Kagaya and the other Hashira. "I-I never expected to gain everyone's approval so quickly. I'm so happy… sniff…"
'So… so cute!!!'
The male swordsmen in the assembled ranks stared at the newly minted Love Hashira with shining eyes.
"Mitsuri! Come here!!!" Rengoku called out with a smile, interrupting her continuous bowing. "Stand here."
"Yes, Master!" Mitsuri happily ran over, standing beside Rengoku.
At that moment, Gyomei stepped forward, clapping his hands with a resounding force that sent a powerful pressure toward the still-restless swordsmen.
"Silence," he said gravely. "Please listen quietly to Lord Ubuyashiki."
'So… so scary!!!'
The assembled swordsmen paled and fell completely silent.
"Good afternoon, swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps," Kagaya's gentle voice rang out, like a spring breeze calming the rapid heartbeats of the swordsmen startled by the Stone Hashira.
Seated upright in his wheelchair, his frail body commanded the respectful gazes of everyone present.
He continued, "A thousand years ago, the Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji was born, creating man-eating demons that threatened people's safety and caused countless human tragedies. To combat these demons, the ancestors of the Ubuyashiki clan founded the Demon Slayer Corps. For a millennium, countless people whose families were killed by demons joined the Corps, driven by deep-seated hatred, fighting on the front lines against these evil creatures."
His voice, neither loud nor soft, carried a peculiar rhythm that resonated through everyone's ears.
All listened intently.
This man…
Kaito observed Kagaya.
He's truly gifted…
If he lived in the ninja world, he might have used his talent for sound to create a unique genjutsu.
Kagaya's speech continued.
"For a thousand years, countless lives have been lost in the fight against demons. The Demon Slayer Corps has been pushed to the brink of destruction multiple times."
His unique voice guided the emotions of his audience, conjuring images of countless predecessors charging forward through endless blood and fire.
The weight of it settled heavily in their hearts.
"But we have never given up," he said, his tone growing resolute.
"As long as demons continue to devour humans, as long as hatred for them burns in our hearts, there will always be someone to carry on the will of those before them, picking up a blade to fight!"
Kaito noticed the crowd's blood beginning to boil under his voice.
"All the swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps—you are the most vital part of this organization."
Kagaya looked at the assembled swordsmen with a gentle gaze, making each feel the sincerity of his regard.
Their demeanor shifted, their eyes growing resolute, as if filled with boundless courage.
Kaito recalled his own attempts at rallying ninjas in his world, realizing he was no match for Kagaya in this regard.
"Today may be the most important day of my life," Kagaya continued.
"Though no official announcement has been made, I believe you've all mentally prepared yourselves." He scanned their eyes. "Yes, Muzan is coming, and the Demon Slayer Corps is about to face its final battle."
Though the swordsmen had sensed something during their intensive training, hearing the confirmation caused the lower-ranking members to erupt in murmurs.
"Muzan!!!"
"The demons are really attacking our headquarters?!"
"Can… can we handle it…?"
"Since Muzan is coming, shouldn't we… temporarily relocate…?"
"Don't worry, all the Hashira are here. We'll definitely win!"
"Kill all the evil demons!!!"
"Since he's coming, he's not leaving!"
"Kill Muzan!"
Some voices were pessimistic, some wanted to retreat, some brimmed with confidence, and others burned with hatred…
Clap!!!
Gyomei's towering figure stepped forward again, his hands clapping with a thunderous sound, instantly silencing the clamor.
"I understand everyone's feelings," Kagaya spoke again, drawing their attention.
"But please have faith in Uchiha-san, who has come to aid us, in me, in the Hashira, and in yourselves."
A confident smile spread across his face.
"Because this time, I firmly believe victory will belong to all of us in the Demon Slayer Corps."
He suddenly bowed to the swordsmen from his wheelchair.
"So, please trust my judgment. This time, with an unprecedented ally, thorough preparations, and the strongest swordsmen in recent years, we will resolutely claim victory and end Muzan Kibutsuji's thousand-year reign."
"Lord Ubuyashiki!!"
The Hashira behind him moved to help him up, but Gyomei raised a hand to stop them.
"This is Lord Ubuyashiki's own will," he said sternly, looking at his fellow Hashira.
"Lord Ubuyashiki!!"
The assembled swordsmen froze, stunned.
"Lord Ubuyashiki, I believe in you!!" one swordsman shouted, dropping to one knee. "I believe you'll lead us to victory!!"
"Lord Ubuyashiki! We believe in you too!"
More swordsmen knelt.
"We will achieve victory!!"
Soon, every swordsman knelt, shouting in unison.
"Thank you, thank you all," Kagaya said, straightening up with a gentle expression and firm tone.
"We will achieve victory, without a doubt!"