Kamado Tanjuro had considered the possibility that someone from the Demon Slayer Corps Hiru might approach him, but he never imagined it would be the Corps' leader himself.
As he looked at Ubuyashiki standing before him, Tanjuro found it difficult to reconcile the image of this man—frailer even than himself—with the idea of someone who commanded the Demon Slayer Corps.
And yet, the powerful build of the swordsmen accompanying him, along with the unmistakable respect they showed toward Ubuyashiki, made it clear that this was no act.
"Greetings. My name is Ubuyashiki Kagaya. Though it may sound difficult to believe, I am indeed the head of the Demon Slayer Corps."
Seeing the wariness in Tanjuro's eyes, Kagaya smiled faintly.
"I believe Hiru visited you some time ago. I've come precisely because of that."
Tanjuro turned his gaze to the others who had arrived with him.
"And they are?"
"One is my wife, Ubuyashiki Amane. The other two are former Hashira-level swordsmen—Rengoku Shinjuro and Mikazuki Reima. I had originally intended to come only with Amane and Reima, but the swordsmen below refused to allow it…"
Ubuyashiki shook his head helplessly.
"Would this be a suitable place to talk?"
After a brief silence, Tanjuro pulled on an outer garment.
"Let's take a walk. Just the two of us."
"That works."
Ubuyashiki glanced toward Rengoku Shinjuro, who was about to follow, and smiled.
"Shinjuro, please remain here. Tanjuro and I won't go far."
"Yes."
Rengoku stopped and stepped back behind Amane, though his gaze remained fixed on Tanjuro, his brows knitting unconsciously.
"Don't worry too much."
Shinjuro turned to Mikazuki.
"I simply hadn't realized the toll Breathing Techniques could take on the body."
"Yeah… that's true."
"Would you like to come inside and sit for a while?" Tanjiro approached with a gentle smile.
"The apricot blossoms are beautiful in February, but it's still quite cold."
Amane bowed slightly.
"Then we'll trouble you."
"That's fine. If this helps clear up any misunderstandings, that would be for the best."
Tanjiro stepped aside at the doorway.
"After all, Mr. Hiru is a very gentle and considerate person, yet for some reason, Father has always been wary of him."
"Of course—it's because that guy is usually—hm?"
Mikazuki stopped mid-step and turned to look at Tanjiro.
"You can use Breathing Techniques too?"
"Ah, yes." Tanjiro looked up at him. "I only learned recently."
"Which Breathing Style?"
Rengoku leaned closer.
"Would you mind telling us?"
"Father never named it explicitly, but I learned the same Breathing Style he uses…"
Tanjiro brought over hot water as he spoke.
"Right now, I'm practicing the Hinokami Kagura. Father says it's an important inheritance."
"Hinokami Kagura?"
Rengoku crossed his arms, clearly intrigued.
"So your family also has a fire-related tradition—just like ours!"
"You're really planning to pass that down? Your body only just recovered from the fire."
"Hahaha! Haven't we recently started using glass? I'm thinking of building a glass room for observing flames. It would be a shame for a thousand-year tradition to end with me!"
"Honestly… I keep forgetting your Rengoku family is wealthy."
"Haha, I forget it myself sometimes!"
"You really are something…"
Tanjiro sat quietly to the side, not interjecting, answering only when addressed.
Still, he could sense it clearly—everyone present, himself included, was waiting for the outcome of Tanjuro's conversation with Ubuyashiki.
With that thought, Tanjiro let out a soft sigh and looked toward the window, where the two figures stood.
[I hope they can clear up the misunderstanding…]
...
"So the Demon Slayer Corps truly exists?" Tanjuro asked.
"Yes." Ubuyashiki smiled faintly.
"The entanglement between the Ubuyashiki family and Muzan has lasted for over a thousand years."
"Then why would a corps dedicated to slaying demons harbor demons among its ranks?"
Tanjuro frowned.
"Since you came to see me, you must know the truth, don't you?"
"I do." Ubuyashiki lowered his gaze, his voice tinged with resignation.
"But even I only pieced it together after gathering various clues. When I first tested the matter, I was threatened for it."
"And yet you still chose to trust a demon?"
"Trust may not be the right word."
Ubuyashiki shook his head gently.
"It's more accurate to say that the Demon Slayer Corps cannot afford the consequences of opposing him. Only after confronting them directly did I truly understand how powerful the Demon King is. Even facing Muzan alone would require the full strength of the Corps—let alone the appearance of two such beings…"
"…Two?"
Tanjuro's brows furrowed.
"He only told me that Muzan was on the same level as himself."
"The original Breathing swordsman, Tsugikuni Yoriichi, survived by becoming a demon," Ubuyashiki said quietly.
"His strength surpasses even Muzan's. As for what Hiru mentioned… it refers to the two of them being primordial demons, capable of turning humans into demons."
"Primordial demons… and beings beyond primordial demons…"
Tanjuro fell silent for a moment.
"Then why have you come? If you intend to invite me to join the Demon Slayer Corps, I must refuse. After witnessing such a sight, I cannot place my trust in the Corps."
"I see…"
Ubuyashiki lowered his eyes.
"Though it is regrettable, even if you decline to join, I still hope you will lead your family elsewhere to live."
He continued softly.
"Not long ago, the Demon Slayer Corps had a brief encounter with Muzan. He was driven back by Yoriichi's sword, but having once suffered defeat at the hands of Sun Breathing, he will surely recognize it. When that happens, he will prioritize eradicating everything connected to Sun Breathing. If that day comes… your family—"
Though he did not finish the sentence, Tanjuro understood the meaning clearly.
After a short silence, he spoke.
"I will not move."
"Is there something holding you back? If it's a matter of funds or finding a place to live—"
"It's not that."
Tanjuro coughed softly.
"Though I still harbor doubts, this broken body of mine does not have much time left. If I spend my remaining strength on moving, I will have none left to teach Tanjiro."
"Tanjiro… the boy from earlier?" Ubuyashiki asked.
"Yes. Tanjiro is my eldest son. He has already learned Breathing Techniques…"
Tanjuro lowered his gaze to his own gaunt hands, a faintly bitter smile touching his lips.
"He is a talented child. Before I depart this world, I wish to teach him everything I know—and spend as much time as I can with my family."
Ubuyashiki was silent for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh.
"In that regard, you and I are quite alike… Since your resolve is firm, I won't press the matter further. Still, I hope you will inform your family of this."
"…I will tell Tanjiro and Kie," Tanjuro said softly, lowering his eyes.
"So that after my death, they may leave this place."
After a pause, he added, "I have one more request."
"Please, go ahead."
"Would it be possible for me to meet that original swordsman who became a demon… just once more?"