Unfortunately, the Hashiras weren't in a good mood after seeing Samemi's state. They believed that Sanemi should have been able to at least inflict some injuries on Douma. After all, he was the second strongest Hashira. Yet, the fact that he totally broke down after a single glance made them feel hot with anger. Not towards him, but towards Douma.
What exactly had he done? They didn't know. Still, Mitsuri, who had experienced this a bit in the past said nothing. She knew that Douma's illusions could be forged into anything he wished. So perhaps he had played a very tragic scene for Sanemi to watch.
Nonetheless, she was a bit correct. Although Douma ensured he didn't break the man's will, he also made sure that Sanemi would never have the courage to face him again.
'After all, a flawed heart isn't too much to manipulate, right…?'
Watching the hardened expressions of the Hashiras, especially Tanjiro, he continued to smile.
"Eh? Aren't you the boy who tried to kill my siblings? It seems your talent is not bad. You became an Hashira so quickly."
His innocent words without any malice made Tanjiro shiver. He remembered that day clearly. They were so close to killing Upper Moon Six before Douma arrived and turned the tables. Fortunately, Douma had spared them all because of a single reason—Shinobu.
They could clearly feel his killing intent that night, yet he had restrained himself.
This fact made Tanjiro somehow conflicted. As someone who always sympathized with demons who're about to die, he felt like Douma was an anomaly among demons.
"Hm, who did you kill to become a Hashira? Was it Gyokko?"
Douma's guess was spot on. And seeing Tanjiro's eyes widen only confirmed his claim.
"Ara~ Gyokko was such a good flatterer. It's a bit sad to know he's not alive anymore."
Of course, this was a lie. Even if he was starting to feel emotions due to his attachment towards Shinobu and his demon followers, it didn't mean he had regained emotions. In fact, it was wrong to say he 'regained' emotions. His upbringing didn't grant him the luxury of having any proper feeling.
Still, no one else except the aforementioned beings could trigger him in the slightest. However, even if he didn't feel genuinely sad, he knew how to imitate sadness. After all, anyone would feel sad if they lost a colleague.
'Right?'
Unwilling to waste any more time, Gyomei spoke.
"Douma. We requested that you join us in eliminating Muzan. As you know, he's very much after your life so you have no choice. Cooperate with us and we can talk about a truce after you become the new demon king."
His words stunned the other Hashiras. After all, Lord Kagaya had never mentioned anything about a truce. Still, they didn't say anything. Even if they would backstab him, it would be foolish to outright declare their intentions.
Douma wrapped his arms around Shinobu's shoulders, gently resting his chin on her head. The Hashira tensed slightly, but relaxed with a cute blush on her face. She felt a bit shy, being held intimately before her friends.
'Damn you, Douma!'
Smiling, Douma said to the other Hashiras. "Isn't that a bit too clichè? I see no reason why I should join you. Of course you're right that Muzan might be after me, but he'll definitely sought you guys out first. Even if you lose, you'd have weakened his forces enough for me to deal with."
Shinobu's heart leapt at his words. Didn't he say he'd do anything as long as she wished? However, hearing herself think that was a bit shameful. It wasn't like he really needed to help her. Moreover, she was asking him to work with his enemies. Who'd accept that?
Unaware of her thoughts, Douma continued. "Of course you could decide to become demons and strengthen Muzan's forces out of spite to kill me. However, I don't believe the 'oh-so-righteous' demon slayers would do so."
His words made the Hashiras uneasy because he was quite right. Still, he continued to smile.
"As for allying with Muzan? I don't believe you'd be foolish enough to do so. You might become nutrition otherwise."
"That's enough." Giyu said firmly. He was struggling to ignore Shinobu who was nestling in the demon's embrace as he spoke.
"What do you want?"
Douma's smile widened at that question. "Eh? It seems you're quite smart. I don't really have anything I want. But I'll settle with your Water Breathing Technique."
What?!
Out of all things, Douma had sought after a breathing technique. It surprised them so much that they turned silent. Still, his decision didn't really seem wrong. Breathing Techniques were treasures of the Demon Slayers. Ordinary demon slayers didn't have access to them.
All eyes turned to Tomioka Giyu. He was the one who asked the question, and he was the one targeted with the response.
As cool as ever, Giyu's expression never changed. "If it'll secure your alliance with us, then I agree."
Douma laughed softly, his voice pleasant to the ears. "Well, since Tomioka-san is very generous, I'll accept it. After all, even without it, I'll still do what Shinobu-chan says."
His words made Giyu freeze. Then his eyes widened. He had been scammed. Douma's words meant that even without receiving anything from them, he'd work with them. However, Giyu had mistaken his words from earlier as need for compensation. Now, he could only hide his frustration as he regretted his choice.
Meanwhile, Tengen smiled lightly. 'It seems he really conned our Water Hashira.'
Gyomei's face remained unchanged as he hummed.
"If that is the case, the Water Hashira will give you his breathing technique. Does this mean you're willing to ally with us now?"
Douma smiled, then turned to look at the distance.
"I was wondering why my nose was a bit itchy, but I didn't expect it to be a bunch of ordinary demons."
His words alarmed the Hashiras as they looked around warily. Tanjiro tried to sniff the air but failed to find anything. Still, he held his sword tightly.
As for Zenitsu, he strained his ears and began to hear the heartbeats of over a thousand demons.
"Demons! So many of them!!!"
Finally, an unknown voice made its presence known.
"I thought my concealment would be enough, but it seems this ice demon can't be underestimated."
From the distance, Kurayami revealed himself. His eyes held the unmistakable kanji; upper moon three.r