The announcement seemed to press a pause button on the entire world.
Sanemi Shinazugawa, who had been radiating killing intent only moments before, stiffened.
The madness in his eyes vanished instantly, replaced by something close to reverent awe.
He quickly withdrew his arm, released Kiyohiko, and stepped back before kneeling in an immaculate posture.
The other Hashira also stopped whatever they had been doing and dropped to one knee in perfect unison, lowering their heads in greeting.
“Huh?
What’s happening?
Why did everyone suddenly kneel?”
Zenitsu was still staring around in confusion when Tanjiro seized the back of his head and forcibly pressed him down against the tatami.
“Shh!
Bow quickly!”
The moment everyone knelt, Kiyohiko—who no longer had anyone supporting him—collapsed heavily onto the floor.
The source of that deadly temptation was still nearby, but the suffocating tension of being surrounded by powerful swordsmen who might execute him at any moment changed subtly with the arrival of that man.
The paper door slowly slid open.
A blind man with purple, disease-like markings spreading across his face stepped forward with the assistance of two white-haired girls.
Despite his condition, he radiated an aura of profound tranquility.
“Good morning, everyone.”
Kagaya Ubuyashiki’s voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, dispersing the lingering hostility within the room.
“The weather is lovely today.
It brings me great joy to see all the Hashira gathered here, especially when none of our number has changed over the past six months.”
Kiyohiko lay sprawled against the floor, gasping heavily as sweat soaked into the tatami beneath him.
I’m saved…
Had this man arrived even one second later, Kiyohiko would undoubtedly have bitten down.
“Master Ubuyashiki, we have gathered here to pass judgment upon this demon and Tanjiro Kamado, the Corps member who sheltered him.”
Although Sanemi remained kneeling, his tone was still firm, merely tempered by several degrees of respect.
“I refuse to accept this demon.
Only moments ago, he displayed an overwhelming desire for my blood.
If we allow him to live, he will inevitably become a threat.”
Kagaya’s sightless eyes seemed to turn toward Kiyohiko, a faint smile resting upon his lips.
“And yet, Sanemi, he did not drink it, did he?”
Kagaya rested his fingers lightly upon the shoulder of the white-haired girl beside him, then turned his blind yet strangely perceptive gaze toward the assembled Hashira.
“Sanemi, thank you for testing him in the name of upholding the Corps’ laws.
Since this demon rejected the temptation of marechi blood despite being injured and suffering from extreme hunger, he has proven that his reason is capable of overcoming his instincts.”
Sanemi gritted his teeth.
Although resentment remained written across his face, he could only lower his head before the Master and roughly wrap a strip of cloth around his bleeding arm.
“If that is Master Ubuyashiki’s judgment, then I have nothing more to say.”
“As for where Kiyohiko will go from here…”
Kagaya paused, a hint of relief entering his voice. This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
“The Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho, has already submitted a request to me.”
At the sound of that name, Kiyohiko abruptly raised his head and stared in disbelief at the petite figure standing nearby in her butterfly-wing haori.
Huh?
That horrible woman?
The one who constantly smiles while saying terrifying things?
“Shinobu has expressed her willingness to serve as Kiyohiko’s supervisor and guarantor,” Kagaya continued calmly.
“She will observe and treat him at the Butterfly Mansion, as well as conduct any… necessary experiments.
Should Kiyohiko ever attack or consume a human, Shinobu Kocho will bear the appropriate responsibility.”
“In addition, six swordsmen who passed Final Selection have asked to vouch for him.”
“Kiyohiko, it seems many people have placed their trust in you.”
A wave of astonishment passed through the room.
Even Giyu Tomioka turned his head slightly.
The Insect Hashira, who despised demons more than almost anyone else, was willing to guarantee the life of one?
Shinobu stepped forward, wearing the same familiar smile that no one could quite decipher.
“Yes, Master Ubuyashiki.
Since this demon insists that he possesses human reason, I have graciously decided to give him an opportunity to prove it.”
“Besides…”
“As research material, he is undeniably fascinating.”
“Then the matter is settled.
Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Kiyohiko—you must all do your best to survive for the sake of humanity’s future.”
With the Master’s final words, the nerve-racking Hashira Meeting finally came to an end.
“Thank goodness, Mr.
Kiyohiko!”
The moment Kagaya departed, Zenitsu threw himself forward with tears and snot streaming down his face, clinging tightly to Kiyohiko’s leg.
“I was terrified!
I thought they were really going to kill you!
Waaaah…”
“Mr.
Kiyohiko!
I’m so glad you’re safe!”
Tanjiro rushed over with reddened eyes as well.
The two boys embraced Kiyohiko from either side, squeezing him between them like the filling in a hamburger.
Their warmth seeped through his clothing, allowing Kiyohiko’s cold body to experience a comfort he had nearly forgotten.
“All right.
A gentle yet unquestionable voice sounded above the three of them.
Tanjiro and Zenitsu released Kiyohiko as though they had been electrocuted and immediately sat upright with perfect posture.
Shinobu stood there with the light behind her, a flawless smile upon her face as she waved toward the nearby Kakushi.
“Kamado and Agatsuma, now that the matter has been resolved, the two of you may return to your respective training grounds later.”
“As for this one…”
She pointed toward Kiyohiko, who was still bound.
“Take him directly to my private laboratory.”
Shinobu slowly crouched in front of him and leaned closer.
Far too close.
Kiyohiko could clearly see his own miserable reflection within her violet pupils.
A faint medicinal fragrance drifted around the tip of his nose, mixed with the familiar scent of wisteria.
It still smelled slightly unpleasant, yet for some reason, it made his heart beat faster.
He swallowed nervously, his body becoming as rigid as stone.
Seeing him behave as though he were facing a mortal enemy, a mischievous glimmer appeared deep within Shinobu’s eyes.
She extended one finger and lightly tapped his forehead before leaning toward his ear.
Her warm breath brushed against it, sending a tingling shiver through his entire body.
“Moshi moshi.”
Her voice was lowered to a whisper.
Without its usual layer of polite formality, it carried a playful note of teasing that only the two of them could understand.
“You were the one who asked me to say it, remember?”
“I look forward to working with you at the Butterfly Mansion…”
“My dear little test subject.”
With that, Shinobu stood, lightly clapped her hands, and returned to her usual composed demeanor before turning away.
Her butterfly-patterned haori fluttered behind her, leaving only the image of a butterfly dancing into the distance.
Kiyohiko remained frozen on the floor, his mind completely blank.
Back in the infirmary, he had merely wanted to hear the famous line in person.
The moment he asked, she had threatened him with her Nichirin Sword.
Yet now…
At a time like this…
In that kind of voice…
That horrible woman definitely did it on purpose!
Heat spread across Kiyohiko’s cheeks, and his heart began beating even faster than it had while facing Sanemi Shinazugawa.
No, Kiyohiko.
She’s a wicked woman.
You cannot let her wrap you around her finger like this!