Shinobu nodded, confirming the claim.
"It's true. Douma's group is no longer attached to Muzan."
The Hashiras nodded, their doubts cleared. Gyomei spoke, his tone thoughtful.
"If it is indeed true that Muzan cannot escape conveniently, perhaps it is time we put our all into finding him and ending the era of demons."
The others agreed with him. If they could find Muzan, then killing him would only be a matter of time.
"Even if he's too strong, we can always stall him until sunrise." Tengen added.
"You're right." Sanemi snorted, "However, aren't we forgetting something?"
Everyone turned to him. What were they forgetting?
"Upper Moon Two."
Unlike Tengen, he wasn't willing to compromise and call the demon by his name. He had a personal hatred against the demon, after all, Douma had killed his colleague; Kanae Kocho.
Gyomei's lips curled downwards. "You are right. We absolutely cannot ignore the second demon lord."
Shinobu felt her heart skip a beat. Right now, everyone was already relieved about Muzan's matter, believing his fate sealed. So instead of focusing on the old demon lord, their attention had shifted to the new one.
"Shinobu-san, you mentioned that those under this... Douma, are losing their bloodlust. Does that mean they don't eat humans anymore?" Tanjiro asked seriously.
Shinobu shook her head. "They still consume humans. Though I can guarantee that they've never eaten anyone innocent since the change."
Sanemi scowled, "Anyone innocent? Do you think demons are trustworthy? The fact that they're preying on humans is already a sin!"
Unexpectedly, Inosuke was the one to rebuke him.
"Shut your mouth, Scarface! In my jungle, the strongest eats the weakest! I can eat whatever I want because I'm the strongest!"
Sanemi's expression turned ugly, being insulted by a junior. His eyes narrowed into a glare as he pointed at Inosuke accusingly.
"You actually dare to speak to your superior in a disrespectful manner! You big-headed mountain boar!"
"Muhahaha! Even Scarface acknowledges the might of Inosuke-sama! Hahahahaha!"
Just as Sanemi was about to retort, someone took action.
Clap!
Gyomei's simple clap froze all the Hashiras, making them remember why this man was called the strongest Hashira.
"Enough banter. Respect Lord Kagaya's presence."
Saying this, he turned to the frail man.
"Lord Kagaya, please tell us your thoughts on this matter..."
The man nodded weakly, then spoke in a low voice, barely audible.
"Shinobu... What is Douma's stance on Muzan?"
Although the question was confusing, she understood its implication. He was asking if Douma is against Muzan or on his side.
Shinobu frowned slightly. "I can very much confirm that he isn't on Muzan's side. However, I cannot say for sure if he's going to take action against him."
Kagaya nodded weakly, then said.
"I would like you to *cough* ask for Douma's assistance in killing Muzan."
The statement shocked everyone, including Lady Amane. However, knowing her husband, she stayed silent. The Hashiras weren't so calm, though.
"Oyakata-sama, are you being serious?! Asking for the help of a demon to kill another, is a blow to we Demon Slayers!"
Tengen was startled, and quickly voiced his opinion.
"Tengen-san is right." Mitsuri nodded. "If we ask for a demon's help, wouldn't that mean we're incapable?"
"Being good or not, a demon is still a demon. Asking for help seems a bit..."
Giyu also added, his expression clouded in worry.
Kagaya smiled lightly at their words. "Indeed, I wouldn't have suggested this *cough* *cough* method. If not because I know Muzan much more than you all do."
"Why do you think the Ubuyashiki Clan have not been able to kill this man, even in the era of the Sun Hashira? It is because Muzan is not only strong, but he is also wise and cunning. Knowing his own weakness, *cough* he would totally seclude himself until he has several back up plans."
"Muzan is a meticulous person who ensures no possibility is left unchecked. Although *cough* *cough* we now have a way of ensuring we fight him, we can't deny the fact that Muzan is still a demon. Do not underestimate the power of the demon progenitor."
After hearing the words Kagaya had painstakingly said and explained, they were confused and hesitant.
Mitsuri raised her head, still confused. "But, even if we work with demons and kill Muzan, what about Douma himself? He could decide to become the next Muzan and attack us."
Her words were sincere and posed a valid concern.
In reply, Kagaya gave her a frail smile. "We can only trust Shinobu Kocho on this *cough* *cough* *cough* *cough*."
The cough was more prolonged, making the Hashiras realize that his illness was worsening. Lady Amane gently supported her husband, then said to them.
"You can discuss among yourselves. I'll take care of my husband "
They nodded, watching solemnly as Kagaya was escorted into the mansion. Everyone remained silent before Tengen spoke again.
"I think it's worth it. Since Oyakata-sama suggested it, he definitely has his reasons. And I'm super sure they're flamboyant reasons!"
They reluctantly nodded, ignoring the last part of his words.
However, Sanemi wasn't easy to compromise.
"I wouldn't go against Oyakata-sama's orders, but I want to challenge him to a duel! If I can kill him, then we don't need his help. If I can't, then I'll let it go."
The others were surprised by his request but didn't think there was anything wrong with it.
Only Shinobu frowned slightly, realizing the unfairness of the duel.
'You can kill him but he can't kill you?'
Weren't they the ones asking for his help? She was stunned, finally realizing that the demon slayers' hate for demons had blinded them from some morals like fairness between both parties. Still, she didn't voice her complaints lest she risked an argument erupting.
She believed Douma wouldn't lose in a fight against Sanemi. Perhaps, he might even use this opportunity to show the Hashiras the difference between himself and them.
"Alright, your words are accepted, Wind Hashira." Gyomei nodded. "Shinobu, you are the one who will table the matter to him. I hope you can assist us in that."
She nodded, then rose to her feet.
"Then that signifies the end of this meeting. You may all return."
Just as Shinobu was about to leave, Mitsuri called out to her.
"Wait! Shinobu-chan! Let me tag along."
Shinobu was slightly confused, but seeing no harm in it, smiled and accepted. Together, they both made their way back to the Butterfly Mansion.
Left alone at the gate of the Ubuyashiki, Obanai's gaze was reminiscent of a puppy without its mother.
Giyu stepped beside him, giving him a comforting grip on the shoulder. Together, they both watched their loved ones leave while leaving them behind.