The scene fell utterly silent.
Even Tanjiro, who moments ago had been shaking with tension, now stared speechlessly at what had just unfolded.
Among the Hashira, some looked stunned, some indifferent, some visibly conflicted.
Obanai Iguro's gold-and-green heterochromatic eyes moved restlessly between the two figures before him.
Impossible…
Even though no Breathing Techniques were used, Sanemi absolutely had not held back.
From Iguro's vantage point, the entire clash was clearly visible:
Sanemi had been completely suppressed from beginning to end.
He hadn't posed even the slightest threat.
Which meant this woman—
Possessed strength that completely overwhelmed a Hashira.
At the very least, he wasn't confident he could suppress Sanemi that easily.
Even Gyomei might not manage it without difficulty.
Iguro glanced downward.
"Shinobu, who is this woman?"
Shinobu smiled pleasantly.
"She is a guest of the Master."
All the Hashira turned toward her.
Tengen Uzui narrowed his eyes.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"The literal meaning," Shinobu replied cheerfully.
Rengoku, earnest as ever, declared,
"Even if she is a guest of the Master, we cannot allow anyone to protect a demon!"
Kanae countered gently,
"But if what the boy says is true, perhaps there really can be demons who are kind… good, even."
"If we act blindly without discerning right from wrong, would that not tarnish the Demon Slayer Corps' honor?"
Iguro's cold gaze dropped.
"You really are as naïve as ever."
Shinobu beamed up at him.
"Iguro-san~"
"…What?"
"Here!"
Shinobu suddenly lifted her foot and kicked the trunk of the tree.
The tree shook violently.
Iguro nearly lost his balance and had to leap down, landing with a startled expression.
Was it his imagination…?
Since when did Shinobu have that much physical strength?
Ignoring him, Shinobu pointed toward the two figures still locked in place.
"By the way, aren't any of you concerned about Sanemi-san? He's about to be killed, you know?"
Everyone froze—then turned.
Finally, Yuko thought.
She was starting to question whether the sword was pointed at the right person.
Sanemi's arms trembled, veins bulging across his forehead as he struggled against Yuko.
Yuko had no doubt that if she moved her foot, this maniac would immediately swing back at her.
Just as the tension peaked, a young girl's voice rang from afar:
"The Master has arrived!"
Yuko's mouth twitched.
So he was hiding and listening this whole time.
She withdrew her foot and sheathed her blade.
"Tch."
Sanemi clicked his tongue in frustration, but quietly put his sword away and rejoined the group.
The Master?
Tanjiro raised his head in surprise.
"Good morning, everyone. The weather is lovely today."
"Is the sky blue, I wonder?"
"To see you all gathered here for the biannual Hashira Meeting fills me with gratitude."
Supported by two doll-like girls, Ubuyashiki Kagaya stepped before the group—his face coated in haunting scars.
Tanjiro barely had time to stare before Sanemi shoved him face-down to the ground.
Yuko's eye twitched.
Is he settling personal grudges or what?
Shff!
The ten Hashira—now ten thanks to Yuko's interference with history—knelt uniformly on one knee.
Perfect synchronization.
Yuko was about to mentally applaud when she realized… they were all staring at her.
"…?"
Why were they looking at her like that?
She looked at them, then down at herself, and finally realized.
Expression flat, she said,
"I'm a guest, you know."
Guests were not expected to kneel.
Common sense.
At her words, the Hashira all returned their gazes forward.
"Master, your health brings us great comfort. We pray for your continued well-being."
Sanemi—who was snarling like a wild beast mere seconds ago—now spoke with a gentle tone.
Yuko: "…"
Who is this man? Where did the previous one go?
Kagaya settled into his seat.
"Thank you, Sanemi."
Sanemi bowed his head.
"Forgive my bluntness, but before we begin the Hashira Meeting, may we have an explanation regarding this incident of harboring a demon?"
Surprisingly straightforward.
Yuko took the chance to observe the Hashira she hadn't yet examined.
One glance—and she froze.
A towering, over-two-meters-tall, broad-shouldered man, even while kneeling, radiated overwhelming physical presence.
The Stone Hashira?
This physique was unbelievable.
His foundation was so solid it bordered on superhuman.
Purely in terms of physical ability, even her brother Michikatsu in life might not match him.
Truly—the strongest generation.
The first Hashira of old had not possessed such monstrous talent.
Yuko's gaze moved on.
Huh?
That girl—was she really a girl?
The muscle density in her frame…
One punch from her would probably make Nezuko cry for hours.
The more Yuko looked, the more delighted she felt.
Even without Gyomei's overwhelming presence, these Hashira were undeniably rare talents.
Not everything grows stronger just because it's ancient—
The first generation largely awakened Marks because of Yoriichi.
In pure talent and combat potential, this generation might even surpass them.
Then—
Yuko's eyes landed on a black-haired boy with mint-green tips, staring blankly into space.
She understood immediately.
A descendant of Michikatsu.
She remembered asking about the Tsugikuni family when returning home with Yoriichi.
This must be the Tokito line—the branch that hid in the mountains to escape persecution.
While she was lost in thought, Kagaya's voice reached her again:
"Regarding this matter, I believe Yuko-san can provide an answer that will satisfy you."
"…Me?"
Yuko blinked.
Before she could respond, all eyes were on her once more.
Sanemi growled,
"Satisfy us? Her?"
Yuko's mouth twitched. She inhaled deeply.
"Very well. I will explain."
"As that young girl said earlier—there can be demons who are kind…"
Uzui cut her off coolly.
"Stop spouting nonsense."
"It isn't nonsense. Though rare, there are demons who have broken free from Muzan's control and act on their own will."
Sanemi glared murderously.
"Broken free? Acting on their own will?"
Yuko nodded.
"Yes. Both Yae's father and Nezuko regained their sanity in response to their loved ones' voices."
"On this matter, Tomioka can testify."
"Enough lies!"
Sanemi suddenly exploded, fury twisting his features.
"You think I'd believe something like that?!"
Yuko frowned slightly.
His tone had shifted dramatically.
Had she touched a nerve without realizing it…?
---
Currently at chapter 423 for advance chapters
https:// ko-fi.com/rabi08