In the end, Kokushibo accepted only a Nichirin Blade, though Kagaya Ubuyashiki promised that it would be forged by one of the most skilled swordsmiths of the Swordsmith Village.
After all, Nichirin Blades existed for a single purpose to sever a demon's neck and bring true death. In Kokushibo's hands, such a weapon carried a different implication entirely.
If he ever chose to turn it against the Demon Slayer Corps… he would not need their craftsmanship to do so.
Kokushibo stated calmly that he would return in one week to retrieve the blade. As for Kanae Kocho, she remained behind.
Before leaving, he cast a faint smile toward both Kanae and Kagaya, his six eyes glinting with quiet amusement.
"You claim that humans and demons can coexist peacefully," he said. "Then prove it."
His tone sharpened slightly.
"For one week, she will remain within the Demon Slayer Corps. Let us see which comes first… her succumbing to hunger, or your comrades cutting her down."
Without waiting for a response, he vanished into the night.
Only after his presence disappeared completely did the suffocating pressure ease. Gyomei Himejima exhaled slowly, his hands clasped in prayer. Even he had felt the overwhelming danger in Kokushibo's aura.
Kanae stepped forward and knelt respectfully before Kagaya.
"Kocho Kanae requests permission… to return."
Despite her transformation, her voice remained gentle and unwavering. Though the craving for human flesh lingered within her, she had not lost herself.
Kagaya observed her quietly. In truth, he understood that this situation was more than it appeared. Kokushibo's actions were not random they were deliberate, almost experimental.
If the Corps could accept Kanae… if they could prove coexistence was possible…
Then perhaps Upper Rank One might one day stand against Muzan Kibutsuji.
It was a possibility too valuable to ignore.
Though, in reality, Kokushibo's intentions were far less noble than Kagaya imagined.
With a soft smile, Kagaya extended his hand.
"Welcome back… Flower Hashira."
Kanae bowed her head deeply.
Leaving Kanae behind served another purpose for Kokushibo it granted him freedom to act without restraint.
There were… matters he intended to handle personally.
Among them was Doma.
He had not visited the Eternal Paradise Faith in quite some time.
And this time… he intended to bring someone with him.
Not to fight.
But to test… and perhaps, to sway.
Convincing Doma outright would be foolish. A direct proposal to betray Muzan would never succeed. Instead, Kokushibo planned to guide events subtly planting seeds rather than issuing commands.
The following morning, within the Butterfly Mansion, Sanemi Shinazugawa awoke abruptly.
The moment awareness returned, so did anger.
"I was… defeated that easily…?"
Before his thoughts could settle, the door slid open.
Kanae stepped inside, her expression calm.
"Shinazugawa-san, you're awake."
The instant he saw her, Sanemi surged forward like a storm, his body moving on instinct alone. Without his Nichirin Blade, however, his attack lacked its usual lethality.
Kanae intercepted him with surprising ease.
"Let go of me!" he snarled, wrenching himself free before launching another strike.
"Enough, Sanemi."
Kagaya's voice halted everything.
He had arrived at the infirmary, supported by Gyomei and Tengen Uzui.
Kanae immediately knelt.
Sanemi hesitated only briefly before doing the same, though his expression remained fierce.
"My lord… she's a demon."
"I am aware," Kagaya replied gently.
A sudden wave of pain struck him, his body faltering. Before he could collapse, Kanae moved instantly, supporting him with careful precision.
Tengen and Gyomei stepped in at once, steadying him.
"I'm fine," Kagaya said softly, raising a hand.
Then, he looked at Sanemi.
"I have permitted Kanae to remain. Though she has become a demon, she has harmed no one… and continues to resist her instincts."
His voice lowered slightly.
"I ask that you grant her this chance."
Sanemi's fists tightened.
But when Kagaya began to bow
"Please, don't!" Sanemi immediately stopped him. "If it's your decision… then I accept it."
And just like that, the Flower Hashira was reinstated though only in name.
As a demon, Kanae could not leave the Butterfly Mansion during daylight hours, but she accepted this without complaint.
Nearby, Giyu Tomioka stirred awake.
Shinobu Kocho was already by his side, inspecting his wounds.
"Please don't move. Your injuries will reopen."
Giyu blinked, momentarily disoriented.
Something felt… different.
In his memory, Shinobu had always worn a composed, almost artificial smile since Kanae's death.
But now
Her brows were furrowed, her expression openly irritated… yet undeniably genuine.
Strangely, it suited her more.
As she leaned closer to examine his chest wound, neither of them noticed the presence outside.
Kanae, standing quietly by the door, watched through a narrow gap, her lips curling into a faint, knowing smile.
"So… that's how it is."
At that moment, another presence entered the hallway.
Kanao Tsuyuri had returned from her mission.
The moment she saw Kanae, she didn't hesitate. No coin. No deliberation.
She ran forward and embraced her tightly.
Kanae's expression softened completely as she returned the gesture.
"It's been a while, Kanao."
Outside, Sanemi remained stationed nearby, his sharp gaze fixed on Kanae's every movement. Any sign of instability and he would act without hesitation.
Yet as he watched her gentle smile… something stirred faintly in his memory.
That night, Kokushibo arrived at the headquarters of the Eternal Paradise Faith.
Beside him stood Akaza.
The reason Akaza had agreed to accompany him was simple strength.
In the past, Akaza had challenged Kokushibo in a Blood Battle for rank.
He had lost.
Decisively.
By the rules of the Twelve Kizuki, Kokushibo had every right to devour him. Yet he did not. Akaza's unwavering devotion to martial arts had earned him a rare exception.
A warrior worthy of preservation.
As they entered, they found a young woman calmly sewing.
Akaza's expression hardened immediately.
"A human…?"
His tone carried clear disapproval.
Doma greeted them with his usual unsettling cheer.
"Kokushibo-dono! Akaza-dono! Welcome!"
When Akaza questioned the woman's presence, Doma tilted his head thoughtfully.
"Kokushibo-dono said she's not food. She's… ah, that's right my 'beloved.'"
Kokushibo said nothing.
That woman was Kotoha Hashibira a presence that, if left unchanged, would shape the fate of another in the future.
Akaza frowned but did not press further.
"Kotoha, please bring cups."
Without fear, she complied, returning shortly with three cups and setting them down.
Years of exposure had dulled her fear. As long as she wasn't harmed, she endured.
Kokushibo then produced a bamboo container and poured its contents into the cups.
Doma leaned forward, curious.
"What is this?"
Kokushibo's six eyes flickered faintly.
"Human blood."