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After completing the pre-battle mobilization, Kagaya began to explain the battlefield layout and personnel assignments to the swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps.
With the main Ubuyashiki residence as the center, the swordsmen were to spread outward according to their ranks.
The main residence would be guarded by the Hashira-level swordsmen. Radiating outward from there would be the Rank A swordsmen, then Rank B, and so on in descending order.
Since everyone anticipated that Muzan would not come alone, the Hashira would surround and attack Muzan and any Upper Rank demons under his command. Meanwhile, the Lower Rank demons and those below Lower Rank would be handled by swordsmen of the corresponding lower tiers.
In addition, Kagaya's wife and children, the medical staff and wounded from the nearby Butterfly Mansion, the other members of the Kamado family, and the members of the Kakushi were all to evacuate in advance at this time.
This group of non-combatants would be protected by the retired former Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki, and the former Thunder Hashira, Jigoro Kuwajima.
The task of treating injured members on the battlefield fell solely to Shinobu Kocho, who possessed both combat ability and medical expertise.
However, from Kaito's perspective, this world lacked the convenient medical ninjutsu that ninjas in the shinobi realm possessed. The so-called battlefield treatment was, at best, better than nothing.
As the orders were issued, the swordsmen responsible for the outer perimeter formed ranks and departed one after another. According to the small teams assigned by Kagaya, they occupied various positions in the surrounding forests, leaving a clear radius of five hundred meters around the main residence.
Then, the remaining group—Kagaya, Kaito, Tanjuro, and the Hashira-level swordsmen—returned to the interior of the residence.
"Next are the arrangements for the Hashira," Kagaya said, looking at the group. "When Muzan arrives, Mr. Uchiha will activate the barrier. Although the battle inside the barrier will be the most critical, I believe it is still necessary to have Hashira guarding outside it."
Kaito continued, "No one can guarantee that this Demon King hasn't created new Upper Rank demons. At that time, I can only prioritize trapping Muzan inside the barrier. To prevent any Upper Rank-level demons from slaughtering lower-ranked swordsmen outside the barrier, we need to divide our forces. At the very least, two Hashira must remain outside the barrier."
"Then let the Flower Hashira and the Love Hashira guard the exterior!" Tengen declared. "Leave the task of fighting Muzan to us men."
Upon hearing this, Kanae immediately smiled faintly and said, "Ara, Mr. Uzui, why do you say that? Although I am a woman, I don't believe my strength is the weakest among the Hashira."
"I… I'll do my best too!"
Mitsuri, who had been named, added in a somewhat bewildered tone.
"I don't mean to look down on either of you," Tengen turned to the two young women. "Whether it's Kanae or Mitsuri, both of you are younger than me and far more talented. Or rather, you are both geniuses."
"But!" He struck a "flashy" pose. "Since we must divide our forces, I believe the other men here, like me, cannot accept having our female colleagues stationed in a more dangerous position than ourselves. That's only natural!"
The other male Hashira, hearing his words, quickly nodded in agreement.
"Just indulge us men and our pointless pride," Tengen finally said to the two young women in a pleading tone.
"There's no helping it," Kanae said upon hearing him phrase it that way, and she no longer argued. "I understand. Mitsuri and I will protect the lower-ranked swordsmen."
"Yes!! I'll do my best!!!"
Mitsuri looked at Kanae with sparkling eyes and pumped her fist in enthusiasm.
"Then it shall be the two of you: Flower Hashira Kanae Kocho and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji," Kagaya said. "Your task will not be easy either, for we do not know how many Upper Ranks Muzan has under him now, nor how many powerful demons will be left outside the barrier afterward. Please handle it with care."
"Yes, Lord Ubuyashiki."
The two young women nodded in unison.
"Now, moving on," Kagaya turned to the others. "Mr. Uchiha, Mr. Kamado, Rock Hashira Gyomei Himejima, Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa, Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka, Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui, Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro."
He carefully looked at each one in turn.
"You will all remain on the final battlefield to fight Muzan and any powerful demons that may accompany him."
"Yes, Lord Ubuyashiki!"
The Hashira responded loudly in unison.
"I will do my utmost," Kamado Tanjuro said seriously. "So that the children no longer have to live in a world with demons."
"Please rest assured, Lord Ubuyashiki. I will give my all this time," Kaito said with a relaxed posture that stood out against the tense atmosphere around him.
"Then, everyone, please stand ready," Kagaya said with a smile.
"There is one final matter," Sanemi suddenly stepped forward.
Kagaya asked, "What is it, Sanemi?"
"Lord Ubuyashiki," Sanemi knelt on one knee. "Please evacuate to a safe location along with the Kakushi."
The other Hashira exchanged glances and knelt as well.
"Please evacuate, Lord Ubuyashiki!"
"No," Kagaya shook his head firmly. "We have already discussed this. I will wait here for Muzan's arrival. Moreover, if he does not see me, given Muzan's cautious nature, he may not enter this residence."
"But!" Sanemi looked up. "It is far too dangerous for Lord Ubuyashiki, who has no means of self-defense, to remain on the battlefield!!"
"You need not worry about that."
At that moment, Kaito stepped forward.
"I will ensure Lord Ubuyashiki's safety."
"How? Can you guarantee Lord Ubuyashiki's safety one hundred percent?"
Sanemi remained unconvinced, frowning as he looked at Kaito.
"You will see when the time comes." Kaito smiled with complete confidence.
The Hashira, however, were not entirely reassured.
"Mr. Uchiha, I trust you," Obanai said. "But… forgive me, we cannot gamble with Lord Ubuyashiki's life."
"Rest assured. Do not worry about me," Kagaya said calmly. "Mr. Uchiha has already made arrangements, and I have made my decision. As the head of the Ubuyashiki Clan, I wish to face Muzan personally and settle things with him."
The others tried to persuade him further, but seeing that Kagaya remained unmoved, they could only reluctantly respect his choice.
"The sun is about to set." Kagaya looked up at the sky.
"Everyone, please begin moving into position."
Next, Kanae and Mitsuri left the residence together.
The remaining members began hiding in various positions within the residence under Kaito's direction.
As Kaito lightly leaped onto the roof and formed hand seals, the breathing presences of the swordsmen gradually vanished.
Then, Kaito's own figure gradually faded from sight.
In the entire residence, only Kagaya remained alone, holding a basin of blue spider lilies, seated in his wheelchair, quietly waiting in the main hall.
As the sun set in the west, Kagaya lifted his head and gazed at the mountains outside the gate, which were gradually shrouding the sinking sun.