Under the bright sunlight, Shinobu arrived at headquarters. Ignoring her injuries, she knelt on one knee, for in front of her stood the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps—Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the Master of all Demon Slayers.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki, head of the current Ubuyashiki family, had a face terribly disfigured above the jaw, covered in grotesque scars. His eyes were clouded and vacant, yet his expression was serene and composed, exuding the calm dignity of someone who seemed to have everything under control.
Just being in his presence gave one a strange sense of peace.
There was something about him—something that made people feel at ease, filled their hearts with trust, and made them want to entrust their lives to him.
Looking gently at Shinobu, he spoke softly:"Shinobu, my child… what has happened?"
His voice, though quiet, pierced straight to the soul. Shinobu felt as if he could already see through everything.
She nodded. "Master, I encountered a demon named Kamado Kawanishi. He has left me… deeply conflicted. I came seeking your guidance."
Kagaya smiled faintly. "To make even you feel conflicted… he must not be an ordinary demon."
"I also received your letter—does it concern him as well?"
"Yes," Shinobu replied. "According to his own words, he's never eaten a human. He claims to grow stronger by devouring other demons."
"The first time I met him, his strength was equivalent to a rank G Demon Slayer."
"The second time, only three days later, he had already reached at least rank D. Perhaps even higher."
Such rapid growth… Kagaya pondered quietly.
The Demon Slayer Corps had ten rankings: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J.Above rank A… one became a Pillar.
To improve so drastically in just three days suggested an extraordinary potential. And he grew stronger by devouring demons?
Muzan Kibutsuji… would you allow such a demon to exist?
Kagaya said, "Regarding your letter, I investigated. You were the only one dispatched to Mount Lanli. No other members were present."
"He said himself that he eats demons. How credible are his words?"
Shinobu thought back to the disappointment she saw in Kawanishi's expression and said, "I believe him. But I understand that spoken words alone won't convince the others. That's why I'm asking for your help to investigate."
"Also, most of the townspeople in Ishibashi Town survived. I couldn't intervene because I was facing Upper Moon Three… but Kawanishi killed the four demons and helped guide the townspeople to escape."
Kagaya nodded gently. "According to the Hidden Squad's report, Ishibashi Town indeed had the lowest casualty count. And there were signs of demons fighting each other. Since only you were present at the time… then it's quite possible he was telling the truth."
"You've done well. Facing Upper Moon Three alone must've been difficult. I'm glad you made it back alive. It seems you've grown stronger again."
He was genuinely surprised. A demon saving humans was already rare. One that fed on demons instead? Unprecedented.
Shinobu gave a wry smile. "My strength has pretty much reached its limit. There's not much more room for growth."
"As for Upper Moon Three—Akaza—his abilities involve a strange form of sensing and pinpoint attacks and defense."
"Also… he doesn't kill women. That principle is deeply rooted in him. He even hesitated under Muzan's orders."
I see… Kagaya thought. Other Pillars had gone out in pairs and still returned injured. Had the sun not been rising, they might've died.
Akaza… the Upper Moon Three who doesn't kill women?
This was valuable information. The Upper Moons hadn't changed in over a hundred years, while many Pillars had died at their hands. There had been little data on their abilities—most encounters ended in instant death.
Only a handful of the Pillars were capable of confronting an Upper Moon alone.
To gain intelligence on one of them—especially Akaza—would prove crucial in the future.
Kagaya then spoke in a solemn tone:
"Shinobu, my child, thank you for your courage. I am proud of your bravery."
The Pillars are the supporting pillars of this world—the foundation, the guardians of life itself.
The term "Pillar" was taken from sacred shrine pillars.
It is said that shrine pillars uphold the human world, form barriers to repel evil, and suppress demons and spirits.
Our ancestors named you thus, so that you would be our sacred pillars—defenders of humanity, protectors of peace.
Because of your existence, demons cannot run rampant.
In this thousand-year history, your legacy deserves to be recorded in bold ink. But for the sake of societal harmony, your efforts go unrecognized. Only those within the Corps, and the demons who fall beneath your Nichirin blades, know who you truly are.
On behalf of all humanity, I thank you for your unwavering resolve. I thank all Demon Slayers for their selfless devotion.
Shinobu's eyes curved as she smiled. "Thank you, Master. This is my duty, my conviction—I will not hesitate."
My children… you fight death and monsters without fear. I am comforted by your strength.
Muzan Kibutsuji, you must wonder what power enables me to resist you.
It is the unwavering will of generations of Demon Slayers that stands against you.
Humanity will triumph.
Meanwhile, in a dark, sunless chamber, Muzan Kibutsuji sat at the head of a long table, four Upper Moons seated on either side.
He gazed at them and said, "You've done well—destroying towns, injuring Pillars."
"The Demon Slayer Corps must be in disarray now… trembling in fear."
"But one of you… has disappointed me."
With those words, Muzan vanished from his chair—and reappeared behind Akaza.
He placed his hands on Akaza's shoulders. His expression, hidden under his hat, was unreadable.
"Akaza. Do you have anything to say?"
Akaza took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. "My lord… I was wrong. Please punish me."
No excuses. No pleas. He simply admitted his failure.
Before Muzan, there was no room for luck or lies. A mistake… was a mistake.
Muzan removed his hands from Akaza's shoulders and said softly, "The others had no chance to kill a Pillar—but you did. And you failed. Why? Because she was a woman…"
"Douma, I believe you keep many women in your lair. Give Akaza ten."
"I want him to eat them all. You'll watch, Akaza."
"Do you accept this consequence?"
Muzan didn't mention Kawanishi. From Akaza's thoughts, he had gleaned that Kawanishi was merely a daring minor demon—though one with potential.
What enraged Muzan wasn't the deception… but Akaza's hesitation to follow orders.
Even if the order was false, hesitation itself was intolerable.
If Upper Moons weren't so hard to replace, Akaza… would already be dead.
Akaza clenched his jaw. "I accept, my lord."
Muzan gently patted his head. "Akaza… don't disappoint me again."
"After all these centuries… even a man grows fond of a pet. I treasure our bond."
Sweat formed on Akaza's brow, but he didn't dare wipe it. "Thank you, my lord. I will serve you with everything I have."
Muzan waved a hand. "Go. Tell your subordinates—more attacks on towns. Increase the frequency."
"As for you… begin the search for the Blue Spider Lily. With the Corps busy, they won't interfere."
I am the one favored by fate. Though I was born frail, I became the First Demon, eternal and unstoppable. I have killed so many—and still, no punishment.
Blue Spider Lily… where are you hiding?
No matter how long it takes, I'll find you. The sun… will no longer be my enemy.
I will become the ultimate life form. A god.
Ubuyashiki… stay hidden in your fortress. Wait for the day your god descends.
In that moment, two mortal enemies—man and demon—locked gazes across the great divide. Thunder clashed in their eyes.
Neither would yield. Both believed, unwaveringly—Victory would be theirs.
(End of Chapter)