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Chapter 795: The Pillars' Challenge
Chapter 795: The Pillars' Challenge
Butterfly Shinobu was not surprised by everyone's reaction and merely smiled, looking straight ahead without offering any further explanation.
There was no point in explaining further. Once these Pillars saw Kanata, they would understand the reason.
After a short while, footsteps echoed in the corridor, causing everyone to halt and turn their gazes toward the source of the sound.
A man with black hair and a slender build, dressed in a loose kimono, walked gently toward them, accompanied by a silent young girl with a sword at her waist.
The man was none other than the master of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
Alongside him was Kanata, who had decided to join the Demon Slayer Corps.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki was only nineteen at this time, not much older than the Pillars present. His health was also much better than it would be in four years, as he was able to walk without assistance.
"So, you've all gathered," he said gently, addressing the Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps.
The Pillars' eyes flickered towards Kanata, guessing that she was the new Pillar that Kagaya Ubuyashiki had proposed, but no one asked immediately. Instead, they all knelt on one knee, facing their master.
"We are relieved to see you in good health, Master Ubuyashiki," replied Tengen Uzui respectfully.
The other Pillars also greeted Kagaya Ubuyashiki with reverence.
Although Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the master of the Demon Slayer Corps, possessed little combat ability, he was the undisputed spiritual leader of the organization. He commanded respect through his wisdom and his meticulous memory of every member of the Demon Slayer Corps, honoring the fallen each year.
His open-mindedness and intelligence earned him the respect of all the Pillars.
"Now, let's begin our meeting," Kagaya Ubuyashiki said gently, motioning for everyone to rise. "There are three main matters to discuss, and they are all interconnected. Let's start with the first one."
Here, Kagaya Ubuyashiki paused, his voice turning solemn as he continued, "Regarding the Upper Rank Three of the Twelve Demon Moons, we have received new intelligence."
At the mention of Upper Rank Three, the expressions of the Pillars turned serious, temporarily setting aside their curiosity about Kanata. The matter of Upper Rank Three was undoubtedly of greater importance.
"Upper Rank Three, whose name is Akaza, possesses a Blood Demon Art that allows him to sense fighting spirit. Once activated, he can detect even the slightest hint of murderous intent and react with incredible speed. Furthermore, he has honed his physical body and martial arts skills to an extremely high level, despite being a demon."
"According to the intelligence provided by Shinobu, she can barely match Akaza's speed but is far inferior in terms of strength."
"However, the most critical piece of information is that Akaza has overcome the demons' fatal weakness—he will not die even if his head is severed by a Nichirin Blade."
The first revelation did not elicit much reaction from the Pillars, as they were well aware of the varied and bizarre Blood Demon Arts. Without witnessing it firsthand and merely relying on descriptions, it was challenging to imagine the true extent of Akaza's ability.
However, upon hearing the second revelation, the expressions of the Pillars turned grave.
Shinobu was far inferior to Akaza in terms of strength!
Shinobu was not Shinobu Kocho; she was taller and not as frail, so her strength was not considered exceptionally weak. Even among the Pillars, she was not the weakest, but compared to those who had not yet attained Pillar status, she was far ahead.
What was more alarming was that Shinobu could only barely match Akaza's speed.
The Pillars present had some knowledge of each other's abilities, and they knew that Shinobu's greatest asset was her speed. Among the current Pillars, only the Wind Pillar could surpass her in that regard.
"Are you sure that cutting off its head won't kill it...? Is it not because of some Blood Demon Art ability?"
Uzui Tengen looked at Kagaya Ubuyashiki in astonishment.
Kagaya did not respond but turned his gaze towards Butterfly Shinobu.
Everyone else's eyes followed suit, focusing on her intently.
Shinobu, with a serious expression, affirmed, "Confirmed!"
"I had already cut off his head, and it had turned to ashes, but his body did not fall. Instead, a new head regrew from his body," she explained gravely.
This statement left the Pillars in the room exchanging bewildered glances.
"Cutting off its head won't kill it!"
This meant that to defeat Upper Moon Three, they would likely need the power of the sun. In other words, even if they defeated him at night, it would be futile unless they could keep him incapacitated until sunrise.
"A being that surpasses us in strength and speed, coupled with the condition that only sunlight can kill it... Such harsh requirements would be nearly impossible for a single Pillar to fulfill."
Sadanobu Gowasu spoke up, his voice heavy with concern.
"Therefore, when it comes to dealing with an Upper Rank Demon, at least two Pillars should be present to attempt its elimination, and perhaps even three. A solo attempt would only lead to senseless sacrifice."
Uzui Tengen's eyes narrowed, his expression solemn.
"That being said..." Uzui continued, his gaze still fixed on Shinobu, "...according to your description, you alone shouldn't have been able to achieve such a feat, which means..."
Some of the Pillars also thought of something else and turned their gazes towards Shinobu, and then towards Makomo, who had been standing silently beside Kagaya Ubuyashiki and had not spoken a word so far.
"That's right," Shinobu replied with a brilliant smile. "Although Upper Moon Three is powerful, Makomo is even stronger. She single-handedly suppressed Upper Moon Three, giving me the opportunity to cut off its head."
Upon hearing this, the room erupted into a chorus of astonished exclamations.
Based on previous intelligence, they had already concluded that a single Pillar would be unable to stand against an Upper Rank Demon, especially not Upper Moon Three. Yet, here was Shinobu, claiming that someone had managed to suppress the Upper Moon with their solitary might!
If this was true, it undoubtedly meant that Makomo's strength surpassed that of anyone present.
Some of the Pillars fell silent, absorbing this information. Others wore looks of astonishment, while a few even displayed skeptical glances.
"If your intelligence and description are entirely accurate, then this young lady, Miss Makomo, has the achievement of repelling Upper Moon Three. If her strength truly surpasses mine, as you suggest, then I can acknowledge her as a direct Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps. However..."
As Uzui Tengen spoke, his eyes clearly conveyed his doubts as he looked at Makomo.
Obviously, as a Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps, he would not simply take their word for it without concrete evidence.
Just as everyone's gazes turned doubtful and questioning towards Makomo, Kagaya Ubuyashiki spoke up, his tone gentle and calm.
"This leads us to the second matter."
"Makomo has decided to join the Demon Slayer Corps, and I propose that she becomes a direct Pillar. The position of a Pillar is of utmost importance, so I also seek your acknowledgment here to dispel any doubts."
Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps led squads and often worked together, so even if they didn't get along, they had to trust and rely on each other's strengths. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to fight with their backs turned to one another.
"Since Master Ubuyashiki has said so..."
"Then..."
Clang!
Uzui Tengen drew the twin blades from his back, his eyes fixed on Makomo. With a proud lift of his head, he declared, "I shall be the first to test her might! At the very least, let me witness her strength with my own eyes!"
(End of Chapter)
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