Chapter 58: Hashira Meeting

The moment Tamayo took the box and opened it, the expressions on both her and Yushiro's faces underwent a cataclysmic transformation.

Their originally calm features were torn apart by a surge of intense emotion, as if an invisible force had instantly swept through their entire bodies via their very bloodlines.

That sorrow was like a bitter wind in late autumn—piercing, desolate, and bone-chilling—penetrating the hearts of Tamayo and Yushiro, making them feel an unprecedented agony.

Tamayo took a deep breath, struggling to steady her emotions.

"Is this... an Upper Moon?" Tamayo asked tentatively, looking toward Shinobu Kocho, her voice tinged with a hint of anticipation and tension.

Shinobu nodded, confirming Tamayo's suspicion.

Upon hearing this news, a flicker of excitement finally appeared on Tamayo's face.

The remains of an Upper Moon would allow Tamayo to iterate her medicines more rapidly, enhancing both their efficacy and stability.

When that time came, she would have the chance to create a powerful drug capable of dealing with Muzan Kibutsuji.

"By the way, Miss Tamayo, do you have any medicinal formulas or pharmaceutical data that I could borrow? I've become very interested in pharmacology lately and wish to study it deeply," Lin Yi suddenly called out to her just as she was about to turn away to begin her new experiments.

Hearing Lin Yi's request, Tamayo turned back into the house and carefully retrieved her life's work from a shelf—a thick notebook of pharmaceutical research.

This notebook recorded years of Tamayo's research results and insights; every page was densely packed with text and diagrams, embodying her wisdom and toil.

After handing the notebook to Lin Yi, Tamayo could not wait to hurry into the laboratory with her new materials.

Her heart was filled with anticipation and passion for the new experiments; the protocols she had already conceptualized in her mind were waiting for her to bring them to fruition one by one.

At the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, the primary officials were already seated in the meeting hall. Eyes frequently drifted toward the door, awaiting the return of Lin Yi and Shinobu Kocho.

The news of the Upper Moon's death had swept through the entire Demon Slayer Corps like a powerful whirlwind, pushing the members' emotions and fighting spirit to a new crescendo.

The lower-ranking members of the Corps worked twice as hard in their training, sweating profusely on the training grounds as they gave their all to increase their strength.

"According to the news from the Kasugai Crows, Muzan Kibutsuji seems to be making a major move," Kagaya Ubuyashiki's voice echoed through the meeting hall, clear and powerful.

"The silhouettes of several Upper Rank demons have appeared in the towns once again. It seems Mr. Lin's actions have disturbed our Demon King."

Unexpectedly, as these words echoed through the hall, the expressions on everyone's faces were not the expected shock or tension, but rather a hint of a cold sneer.

They knew well the cunning and insidious nature of Muzan Kibutsuji. This Demon King, who had always preferred to hide behind the scenes and manipulate demons to achieve his goals, was now acting so ostentatiously; this was undoubtedly an extremely abnormal behavior.

What this abnormality revealed was precisely Muzan Kibutsuji's panic and unease.

Perhaps Muzan Kibutsuji felt the threat from the Demon Slayer Corps and could no longer manipulate the situation with his former composure.

In a corner of the meeting hall, the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, stared intently at the Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, his eyes flashing with dissatisfaction.

"Giyu, I heard you recently brought back a strange demon from an Lower Moon's territory. What on earth were you thinking?"

Sanemi's voice betrayed reproach and worry, his brow furrowed as if he were struggling to suppress the rage within.

In his view, Giyu Tomioka's actions were undoubtedly a serious violation of the Demon Slayer Corps' rules and an act of irresponsibility toward the entire organization.

Fortunately, other members of the Corps had intervened in time, and through their persuasion and soothing, he had managed to suppress his anger until today's meeting.

Facing Sanemi's interrogation, Giyu Tomioka did not answer immediately. Instead, he took a deep breath, seemingly organizing his thoughts.

He knew his decision might spark controversy and doubt, but he firmly believed he was doing it for the future of the Demon Slayer Corps.

"She is no ordinary demon. From my observations, Nezuko is able to restrain her nature; she does not kill indiscriminately like other demons."

Giyu Tomioka attempted to explain his decision. He knew it was a gamble for the Corps, but he trusted his judgment.

However, the other Hashira had not experienced as much alongside Tanjiro as Giyu had. They knew very little about this brought-in demon, and thus remained skeptical of Giyu's claims.

For a moment, silence fell over the meeting hall.

Aside from Giyu Tomioka, no one else voiced an opinion; everyone was thinking and weighing the situation.

Just then, two figures appeared at the entrance of the hall—Lin Yi and Shinobu Kocho.

As soon as they reached the door, they felt the abnormally oppressive atmosphere inside.

The two exchanged a glance, both feeling a sense of confusion.

Lin Yi looked around and found that every face was etched with gravity and concern.

After taking his seat, Tengen Uzui explained in detail the contents of the meeting to the newly arrived Lin Yi and Shinobu.

His words revealed concern over Giyu Tomioka's decision and anxiety regarding Muzan Kibutsuji's major movements.

After listening to Tengen's explanation, Lin Yi said bluntly, "Just bring the two of them here to look, and we'll know. Discussing it here over and over isn't of much use."

A slight smile appeared on Kagaya Ubuyashiki's face, and he nodded in agreement with Lin Yi's viewpoint.

In truth, Kagaya's heart leaned toward this approach as well. After all, with Tamayo as a precedent, he did not hold the stance of killing every demon upon sight.

If Nezuko truly was as Giyu Tomioka described, then he was willing to give her a chance.

Under the watchful eyes of the assembly, the bound Tanjiro and the box containing Nezuko were brought outside the meeting hall.

Tanjiro was still in a state of confusion; his eyes were somewhat lost, as if he were struggling to recall his previous experiences but was unable to piece together the fragmented memories.

The Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, was the first to step forward, every step radiating vigilance and hostility toward the demon.

He crouched down and struck the box containing Nezuko forcefully, seemingly wanting to test the reaction inside through this method.

A faint sound came from within the box, as if something were moving gently.

Nezuko did not appear immediately; she seemed to be hesitating and observing, unsure of how to respond to this strange environment and crowd.

Looking at Tanjiro, who was being held down against the gravel, Lin Yi couldn't help but marvel at the boy's stubbornness—it felt as if the stones were about to be crushed into powder by Tanjiro's iron head.

"Alright, untie him. With so many people here, there's no need for everyone to be so tense."

With a flash of the Serpent Hashira's blade, the ropes binding Tanjiro snapped.

Once freed, Tanjiro immediately rushed to the side of the box, clutching it tightly in his arms to comfort Nezuko inside.

(End of Chapter)