𝐓𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 | 𝑺.𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒛𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒘𝒂

𝟒𝟔 | 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐬𝐭

~*~

LATER THAT NIGHT

Today was rather eventful.........

After reporting in everything of our patrol missions, and informing the master of everything we know so far; more demons continued to multiply and so forth. Even after the intense argument early today about Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado's fates, my mind was still made up by inviting them into the Demon Slayer Corps. My reasoning might seem heroic, yet I didn't deem myself that in any way. I just found that Master has many good reasons to keep them alive, and maybe a demon on the inside can aid us to Muzan Kibutsuji now we know Tanjiro saw him. 

I even felt bad for that ppor young Slayer that came to report, who looked terrified while Sanemi gave him a good scolding. I'm sorry....

Now here we all knelt down on our knees as we were before the Master, that sat before us in front of a painted Shoji divider. The warm glow from the paper floor lamps emanated dimly, creating a cozy and warm feeling. 

Nestled between Sanemi and Giyuu, my eyes rest upon our master and his two daughter either side of him in a respectful orderly manner.

"Just as you all have reported," He spoke up firmly. "The carnage of the demons has grown more than ever, meaning the threat to human life in turn is greater than it has ever been. We must bolster the ranks of the Demon Slayers. What, then are your thoughts?"

"The incident on Mt Natagumo says it all," Sanemi spoke up, in a calm and mature tone. "The caliber of Demon Slayers has dropped tremendously. Most of them are useless. The trainers must have gone blind, or something. You'd think they could at least tell if someone's competent or not."

Tengen smirks, "Well, that kid today sure packed a lot of power," He lifts his fist to his chin, with an impressed grin. "He landed that dazzling blow on you. He's got potential."

Sanemi scoffs feeling ashamed of the headbutt, especially from a child no less making me send a sharp subtle glare towards Tengen earning a sheepish look from him.

"The more the human race grows, the harder it becomes to control and unify them," Shinobu shifts the conversation, back to Masters question. ".....and in this era, that seems to be even more true."

"There are those who've joined us after their loved ones were slaughtered," Gyomei spoke up. "...and there are those of noted pedigree who have hunted demons for generations, but for everyone else, it's another matter. Asking laymen for the same or even greater commitment to our cause, I feel, would be much too cruel."

"But consider that this boy soon after joining encountered a twelve kizuki!" Rengoku spoke up, his voice loud and clear. "I think he can draw them out! Even we rarely get the chance to confront one! I am envious!"

 Master nods, "A fair point," he agrees, pausing for a moment. "However, the fact that lower-five demon made such a drastic move, likely means Kibutsuji is far from Mt Natagumo. Like with Asakusa, whenever he wishes to hide something, he proceeds to create a clever diversion to throw us off his trail. To be honest, it's quite frustrating. But as long as those demons linger as they do now, freely devouring humans and gaining strength as a result, there is only one thing for us to do for the sake of those who have died."

My expression remains relaxed despite how tight my chest felt, knowing death follows where ever Kibutsuji goes. How sneaky he is, like a fox in the night....

"I feel...........you who are present today, the core Hashira, are the finest unit I have assembled since the first breathing swordsmen of the feudal era," Master admits proudly, lifting his gentle blind gaze. "Tengen Uzui, Kyojuro Rengoku, Shinobu Kocho, Mitsuri Kanroji, Muichiro Tokito, Gyomei Himejima, Sanemi Shinazugawa, Iguro Obanai, Giyuu Tomioka, Hayami Mizutsuki.......my beloved children......I look forward to seeing your success."