Hanayuki Ichika coughed slightly in embarrassment upon hearing this, and quickly defended himself in an equally hushed tone: “Cough… I was just being polite and friendly. I’m a man of integrity, you know.”
Even as illness eroded his body and cursed scars covered most of his face, the calm, gentle, yet incredibly resilient aura radiating from Ubuyashiki Kagaya caused all the Hashira to instantly restrain their presence and instinctively bow their heads slightly in respect.
“Master!” The Hashiras greeted him in unison, and even the most hot-tempered Sanemi Shinazugawa forcibly suppressed his killing intent, though his eyes remained fixed on Hanayuki Ichika.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya’s gaze slowly swept across everyone in the room, lingering for a moment on Hanayuki Ichika, who was clinging tightly to Kanroji Mitsuri’s leg.
In those eyes, which were slightly clouded by illness yet still remained wise, a flash of inexplicable inquiry passed through, before finally landing on Kochou Shinobu, whose arms were spread wide and whose face was slightly pale.
“I heard there was a disturbance at the Butterfly Mansion, and it seemed the scent of a demon had appeared, causing a commotion among the Hashira.” Ubuyashiki’s voice was calm, yet it carried a power that seemed to see through everything.
“Now it seems the situation is indeed… extraordinary.”
“Master!” Iguro Obanai spoke up urgently, his voice raspy with anger.
“This demon infiltrated the Butterfly Mansion and behaved improperly towards the Love Hashira, yet Kochou Shinobu actually spoke up to defend him! For such behavior, this demon must be executed immediately, and Kochou Shinobu must be questioned as to why she acted this way!”
“Obanai, stay calm for a moment.” Ubuyashiki raised his hand slightly, stopping Iguro Obanai from saying anything more intense.
His gaze turned back to Kochou Shinobu,
“Shinobu, you are one of the Hashira I trust most. You know the evil of demons well, and you carry Kanae’s legacy. For you to stand so firmly in front of this… demon, even going so far as to oppose your comrades… there must be a reason. May I hear it? A more complete reason?”
Kochou Shinobu took a deep breath.
The Master’s appearance eased her tense nerves slightly, but it was followed by an even heavier sense of responsibility and a determination to explain everything clearly.
She maintained her smile, but her tone was more serious and clear than ever before:
“Yes, Master.
I will explain the beginning and end of this matter without reservation.
This youth is named Hanayuki Ichika.
A few nights ago, while I was returning from a mission,
I encountered him just as he had experienced a tragedy—his family had been destroyed, and he had turned into a demon as a result.
He has never eaten a human and was prepared to die, willingly accepting his execution.
Subsequently, some events occurred that exceeded common sense and expectations; he survived, and by chance, our paths crossed again.
Later, during a critical moment when I was attacked by another evil demon, he did not harm me, but instead…
he saved me.
that every word I have spoken thus far is the absolute truth!”
The room fell into a dead silence.
Kochou Shinobu’s oath was so heavy that even the originally furious Hashira couldn’t help but be stunned for a moment.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya listened quietly, his expression unreadable, only his eyes seemed to grow deeper.
He was silent for a moment before slowly saying:
“No record of eating humans, a heart ready to die, and even… an act of saving a Demon Slayer. If what you say is true, this indeed subverts our understanding of demons and touches upon the ‘absolute boundary’ that the Demon Slayer Corps has maintained for centuries.”
His voice remained steady, yet it made the hearts of all the Hashira tighten.
“However,” Ubuyashiki’s tone shifted; it was still gentle, but it now carried the weight of a judgment.
“This matter is of great importance, involving the iron discipline of the Demon Slayer Corps, the convictions of the Hashira, and even the fundamental principles of opposing Kibutsuji Muzan. The involvement between a Hashira and a demon of unknown identity and special status cannot be settled based solely on a one-sided statement and an oath. The rights and wrongs of this, the potential hidden dangers and possibilities, must undergo the most rigorous scrutiny and collective judgment.”
He looked around at the Hashira, and finally, his gaze fell back on Kochou Shinobu and Hanayuki Ichika.
“Therefore, I have decided to conduct a ‘Hashira Meeting Trial’ for this matter.”
“Kochou Shinobu, and the Demon Youth behind you, Hanayuki Ichika… The two of you will undergo this trial together. Shinobu, you must detail everything from the moment you met Hanayuki Ichika until now before all the Hashira, without any concealment or omission. And Hanayuki Ichika…” Ubuyashiki’s gaze seemed as if it could pierce through one’s soul,
“your very existence, your will, and your ‘uniqueness’ will be the core of this trial. The trial will determine whether you are’sinful’ or not, whether Shinobu’s actions were appropriate, and will ultimately decide… your fate, and what this matter means for the Demon Slayer Corps.”
“Until the trial reaches a conclusion,” Ubuyashiki’s voice took on a commanding authority that brooked no defiance,
“to ensure fairness and safety, necessary restraints must be placed upon the two of you. This is not a lack of trust, but a requirement of procedure and responsibility.”
He nodded slightly.
Members of the Kakushi behind him quickly stepped forward, holding sturdy ropes that had been specially treated and soaked in wisteria flower juice.
Kochou Shinobu’s body stiffened for an imperceptible moment, but the smile on her face did not vanish.
She slowly lowered her outstretched arms, turned around, and gave Hanayuki Ichika an extremely complex smile, one filled with comfort and apology, whispering: “Mr. Demon, it’s alright. Just do as the Master says.”
Hanayuki Ichika looked at Kochou Shinobu and said nothing.
He simply, submissively allowed the Kakushi members to use the ropes soaked in the scent of wisteria flowers to carefully bind his hands and body…
The special ropes brought a slight stinging sensation upon contact with his skin, reminding him of his non-human status and his current situation.
Kochou Shinobu’s hands were also symbolically bound, a gesture signifying that she too was under investigation.
The purple butterfly-wing haori contrasted sharply with the pale ropes, looking particularly jarring. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
Kanao pursed her lips tightly, her fingers curling slightly at her side.
Kanroji Mitsuri looked at the two bound individuals with worry, hesitating to speak.
The other Hashira had varying expressions, but all accepted the Master’s decision.
Sanemi Shinazugawa let out a cold snort, Iguro Obanai’s eyes were gloomy,
Tengen Uzui had his arms crossed, Rengoku Kyojuro’s expression was serious,
Gyomei Himejima chanted sutras in a low voice, Tomioka Giyu remained silent as ever, and Tokito Muichiro seemed to be daydreaming again.
Hinaki, Nichika, Kanata, and Kanao still peeked at Hanayuki Ichika, their young eyes filled with a mix of confusion and undeniable curiosity…
“Take them to the Headquarters Square.” Ubuyashiki ordered, his voice clearly audible in the silent room,
“Summon all available Hashira-level members to prepare for the ‘Hashira Meeting Trial’.”
The Kakushi members respectfully obeyed and led the bound Kochou Shinobu and Hanayuki Ichika slowly out of the Butterfly Mansion room, which was filled with complex emotions.
The moonlight intertwined with the approaching dawn, casting light upon the path leading to the broad square of the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.
Kochou Shinobu’s steps were steady, and she even wore that habitual, unfathomable gentle smile again, though deep within her purple eyes, the light was firm and resolute.
Hanayuki Ichika walked beside her, his white hair swaying slightly in the breeze, his handsome face devoid of much expression, except for the depths of his eyes, where that strange purple glint seemed to have deepened a bit.
They would be taken to the center of the square, under the watchful eyes of everyone, surrounded by the Hashira who represented the highest will of the Demon Slayer Corps, to state their case, confront others, and wait for the verdict…
…
Around the square, a large number of Demon Slayer Corps members watched, looking at the bound Hanayuki Ichika and Kochou Shinobu, whispering and discussing in low voices:
“Doesn’t the Insect Hashira hate demons the most? Why would she defend one?”
“I have no idea! I heard that demon not only appeared on the bed in the Insect Hashira’s room at the Butterfly Mansion, but even… even hugged the Love Hashira and shouted ‘Mom’!”
“Nani?! That’s so bold…”
Listening to the members’ discussions, Kochou Shinobu gave Hanayuki Ichika a sadistic death smile, veins bulging on her forehead: “Mr. Demon, you actually secretly used my bed while I was away… And you even hugged a girl’s leg and called her ‘Mom’ at will? I’m starting to feel a bit like not defending you anymore~”
Hanayuki Ichika coughed slightly and scratched his head, giving Kochou Shinobu a sheepish grin with a hint of flattery: “Then… how about I call you ‘Mom’ too?”
Kochou Shinobu: “…´◡`╬ꐦ”