Because of their encounter with Kibutsuji Muzan, Tanjiro Kamado and his companions were ordered to proceed to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters without delay.
Tanjiro hesitated as he carried Nezuko's wooden box on his back. If they went this time, Nezuko might be placed in immediate danger.
After all, she was still a demon.
Even if she had never harmed a human, the Demon Slayer Corps existed for one purpose: to eradicate demons completely.
Sensing his hesitation, Zenitsu Agatsuma quickly placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Tanjiro. Nezuko is a kind demon. I'm sure the Demon Slayer Corps will judge fairly."
Inosuke Hashibira immediately stepped forward, planting his hands on his hips.
"If they try anything funny, I'll crush them! I, Inosuke-sama, will protect you!"
Their words steadied Tanjiro's resolve.
"Thank you… both of you."
And so, the three set off for the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.
Zenitsu, as usual, offered to carry the box halfway through the journey but Tanjiro refused without hesitation.
The "invincible negotiation technique" that followed consisted of Zenitsu complaining loudly while Tanjiro kept walking.
After a long morning of travel guided by Kasugai Crows, the three finally arrived at the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.
At the Ubuyashiki Estate, the Nine Hashira gathered in formal assembly.
As the pillars entered the courtyard one by one, the atmosphere grew heavy with authority.
Zenitsu's eyes immediately locked onto the female Hashira.
"So beautiful…! So amazing…!"
Tanjiro sighed in exhaustion.
Inosuke, meanwhile, began pointing at each Hashira randomly.
"That one's Big Eyes! That one's Fancy Festival Guy! That one's Dead-Fish Face!"
"Hey !" several veins visibly popped.
Then Tanjiro noticed Giyu Tomioka and waved.
"Mr. Tomioka!"
Giyu gave a slight nod in response.
At that moment
A small stone flew out of the trees and struck Zenitsu squarely on the head.
"Gah!"
A man stood perched above them, his face partially bandaged, a snake coiled around his neck.
Obanai Iguro narrowed his eyes.
"Don't stare at Mitsuri like that. It's disgusting."
Zenitsu immediately shrank back in fear.
Even Inosuke felt the pressure of the gathered Hashira and stayed unusually quiet.
Soon, the sliding doors opened.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki appeared, supported gently by his daughters.
His voice was soft and calm.
"So… you are Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke."
"Yes, Master!" Zenitsu answered immediately, kneeling.
Tanjiro and Zenitsu both knelt respectfully as well.
The Hashira followed suit, bowing deeply.
Only Inosuke remained standing.
"I am the strongest! I don't bow to anyone!"
No one reacted strongly to him.
Kagaya simply smiled.
"Please, everyone, raise your heads."
Once the formalities were complete, Kagaya spoke gently.
"Tanjiro Kamado. I have received Urokodaki Sakonji's report."
He turned slightly.
"And Giyu Tomioka has also reported that your sister is a demon… yet she does not consume humans."
Tanjiro stiffened.
Kagaya continued calmly.
"If Nezuko were to ever harm a human, then all responsible parties including Tanjiro, Urokodaki, and Giyu would be required to commit seppuku."
A heavy silence fell.
Giyu, standing nearby, did not react.
Sanemi Shinazugawa frowned.
"Lord Ubuyashiki, isn't that too lenient? We don't even know if she can be trusted."
Kagaya nodded.
"Then let us confirm it."
He turned slightly.
"Sanemi. Proceed."
Sanemi froze.
"…Why me?"
He glanced around.
Every other Hashira looked away instantly.
Giyu in particular remained silent.
"…Tch."
Nezuko was released from her box.
The test began.
Nezuko struggled briefly but ultimately resisted her instincts, refusing human blood even under provocation.
The result was clear.
She was accepted.
After the meeting, Tanjiro explained everything that had happened in Asakusa.
He revealed the presence of Kibutsuji Muzan, disguised and living among humans.
The Hashira's expressions darkened.
The Demon King had been seen.
Later, the group gathered more informally at the Butterfly Estate.
Mitsuri Kanroji leaned toward Inosuke curiously.
"Why do you always wear that boar mask?"
"Because I like it!" Inosuke shouted.
Obanai immediately stepped in and removed it without hesitation.
The moment was brief but shocking.
Mitsuri's eyes sparkled.
"So beautiful…!"
Even Sanemi clicked his tongue.
"…Tch. At least he's got a face worth showing."
Inosuke, now panicking, immediately tried to reclaim his mask.
Shinobu Kocho led the injured Hashira into treatment rooms afterward.
Tanjiro looked around carefully.
"Are all Upper Rank demons this strong?"
Mitsuri answered gently.
"Yes… the one we fought was Upper Moon Four."
Tanjiro swallowed hard.
Inside the Butterfly Estate infirmary, the wounded rested.
Giyu sat quietly as Shinobu prepared medicine.
"Kocho… apply the ointment."
Shinobu froze for a moment.
"…You can do it yourself."
Giyu silently held out his arm anyway.
After a long pause, Shinobu sighed and began treating him though her composure clearly faltered.
Mitsuri, passing by, immediately turned red.
"W-Wait, this is inappropriate!"
Shinobu quickly regained her usual calm but her ears were still slightly pink.
Giyu remained expressionless throughout.
"…It hurts less than I expected."
A brief silence followed.
No one knew how to respond.