"Hashira Training? That's indeed an excellent suggestion. Tengen is absolutely right—most of our members' strength is insufficient against Upper Rank Demons. With Upper Ranks appearing frequently now, improving our members' abilities is essential."
The Stone Hashira, Himejima Gyoumei, was the first to endorse Uzui Tengen's proposal, followed by other Hashiras sharing their thoughts.
Shinazugawa Sanemi crossed his arms and snorted, "Should've trained those guys long ago. Would stop those overestimating fools from recklessly jumping into battles against Upper Ranks."
Obanai Iguro, who rarely spoke up, chimed in from his corner, "I agree with Shinazugawa. Many members I've worked with hesitate when swinging their blades—far from decisive enough."
Rengoku Kyoujurou boomed cheerfully, arms folded, "Helping members improve? Of course! It's our duty—I'll teach them everything I know with all my heart!"
Kanroji Mitsuri rubbed her cheeks shyly and murmured, "Training members? Could I really do that? Being someone's teacher... I'm not very good at it~"
"If it's training, Giyuu and I can teach techniques from our master, Urokodaki. Actually, Giyuu's mastery of Water Breathing surpasses mine. For members using Water Breathing, his instruction would be invaluable." Sabito smiled, nudging the silent Giyuu forward.
Caught off guard by Sabito's move and uncomfortable under everyone's gaze, Giyuu remembered Sabito's constant advice about fitting in.
Finally, he looked up and said earnestly, "I'll train them more seriously than any of you."
Well... the intention was good, but the delivery could use work.
Among the remaining Hashira, the Flower Hashira Kanae was occupied managing Butterfly Mansion and likely couldn't join the Hashira Training.
Meanwhile, the Mist Hashira Tokito Muichiro hadn't returned from his mission.
Shinichi was also about to embark on the mission to find Tamayo.
To avoid delaying the Hashira Training, Shinichi proactively suggested that his disciple, the Maple Hashira Tokito Yuichiro, temporarily take over his portion of the training.
After all, Yuichiro was a disciple Shinichi had personally trained step by step, and his comprehension of Forest Breathing was no worse than him.
"Everyone has made valid points. Muzan Kibutsuji's movements cannot simply vanish. Every minute, every second we waste, the Demon Slayer Corps faces greater peril. Therefore, to swiftly enhance our members' strength and prepare for battles that may erupt at any moment, I implore you all to give it your all. I sincerely ask this of you."
From the head seat, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, supported by his wife Amane, bowed solemnly to the many Hashira presents.
"Please rest assured, Master!" the Hashiras replied in unison.
Time was of the essence.
After finalizing the details of the Hashira Training, everyone immediately set about making preparations.
"Tengen is quite badly injured. In his condition, can he really train the members?"
Whether out of concern or doubt, Yuichiro couldn't help but voice his confusion.
During the meeting, it had been decided which Hashira would oversee which training segment.
The first stage of training, focusing on basic physical conditioning, was to be led by the Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen.
"Silly child, Tengen is indeed injured, but that doesn't mean he can't train. You must understand, Tengen is one of the most seasoned swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps. Even before I became a Hashira, he was already one of them. Have faith in Tengen—the physical training he oversees is crucial. No one understands training better than a ninja." Shinichi patted his disciple's head.
Yuichiro nodded, his expression unchanged, leaving it unclear whether he had taken his master's words to heart.
"Speaking of which, Yuichiro, I'm sorry to burden you with my responsibilities. Forgive me, but the mission to find Miss Tamayo is truly important." Shinichi looked at his disciple's face and spoke earnestly.
Yuichiro nodded vigorously again, this time with a bright smile.
"Mhm! Don't worry, Master! I'll give it my all! I'll make sure every member masters Forest Breathing!"
"Well, there's no need to be that strict. Forest Breathing isn't the key—what matters is the perception of life force I once taught you. Breathing Techniques are merely a way to commune with that life force."
....
"Caw! Caw! Shinichi! Shinichi!!"
A large black Kasugai Crow cawed loudly as it landed precisely on Shinichi's shoulder.
Eizo perched on Shinichi's shoulder, flapping his wings excitedly to express his agitation.
Shinichi reached out, first offering a handful of nuts to feed Eizo, then using his fingers to groom the crow while occasionally stroking Eizo's noticeably thinner frame.
After Shinichi's disappearance, Eizo had also been deeply affected.
If not for Yuichiro's occasional care and the attention of other Hashira Kasugai Crow companions, Eizo might have truly succumbed to despair...
But no matter what, with Shinichi's return, Eizo, like Maru-ni, had regained his vigor and excitement.
"What is it, Eizo? Did something urgent bring you here?"
Eizo raised his head, swallowed the nut in his beak in one gulp, flapped his wings, and fixed his dark eyes on Shinichi as he loudly announced.
"The swordsmiths of the village have prepared a new Nichirin Blade for Shinichi Caw!"
That was all the news from Eizo. Shinichi snapped back to reality and instinctively touched his waist.
"That's right, I lost my Nichirin Blade."
During the battle in the Red-light district, he had dropped his sword when he lose control.
Later, he heard that Gyomei had retrieved it and returned it to the Demon Slayer Corps, handing it over to Shinobu.
Shinobu...
At that thought, his eyes dimmed slightly, but almost immediately, Shinichi quickly stood up and hurried toward the inner part of the estate.
....
At the same time, in a room within the manor, three swordsmiths from the Swordsmith Village sat wearing straw hats and Hannya masks.
Two of them were curiously wandering around the room, examining the various decorations and furniture on the walls, occasionally making admiring sounds.
"These carvings are flashy but lack substance. The sword on the wall holds no value as a weapon—it lacks true beauty."
"That large chair is no good either. Too soft. Sitting on it makes one unconsciously slouch, unable to focus."
Unlike his two companions, Tetsushin ren, dressed in a wide green-patterned robe, did not engage in discussion.
Instead, he meticulously inspected the two brand-new Nichirin Blades in his hands with a serious and solemn gaze.