Hiru had a fairly clear idea of who Ubuyashiki would invite. Still, upon entering the indoor training hall, he found more people present than expected. Besides Urokodaki Sakonji, Nezuko and Takeo were also there.
Though surprised, Hiru understood why Ubuyashiki had invited Nezuko and Takeo. In the end, he simply moved to the side and fell silent.
"The one wearing the tengu mask is the former Water Hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji. He possesses exceptional olfactory abilities. This time, we will rely on his judgment to determine whether Tanjiro has ever eaten human flesh," Ubuyashiki said as he introduced them.
"The siblings on the other side are Kamado Nezuko and Kamado Takeo. They are the younger sister and brother of the one who has turned into a demon—Kamado Tanjiro."
Uzui's gaze dropped to the Nichirin Blades at the siblings' waists.
"May I ask, my master—are these two also candidates for becoming swordsmen?"
"Yes. After learning about Kamado's situation, they sought out a instructor. They have already learned Breathing Styles and are expected to participate in this year's selection," Ubuyashiki replied gently. "They are children with remarkable courage and resolve."
"Hey," Uzui said, walking toward them, "do you two understand what joining the Demon Slayer Corps really means?"
Nezuko looked at Uzui approaching, her hands unconsciously tightening inside her sleeves.
"Yes. We understand."
"And yet you still dare to become swordsmen?" Uzui bent down slightly. "You should know that if your brother were to attack humans, then you—"
"My brother would never do something like that."
Nezuko lifted her head, her gaze calm and unwavering.
"Please do not speculate about my brother with malice."
Interrupted mid-sentence, Uzui felt a flicker of irritation. But when he met the identical determination in the eyes of the siblings, he suddenly found it pointless. Clicking his tongue, he straightened up and returned to the group.
"Then let us begin," Ubuyashiki said, turning to Hiru. "Please have the boy come out."
Hiru gave a slight nod, set down the box on his back, and said,
"Tanjiro, come out."
After a brief silence, the lid of the box was pushed open from within. A young man wearing a checkered haori stepped into view.
He had medium-length dark red hair, and a flame-like crimson mark spread across his temple. His deep red eyes were gentle, and when he noticed everyone watching him, he smiled and nodded politely.
"If you didn't see him change size with your own eyes, it would be hard to identify him as a demon out in the open," Sabito said, rubbing his chin as he studied Tanjiro. "There's almost no sign of demonization."
"Mm. A demon that can completely maintain a human appearance is indeed rare…" Makomo stepped closer. "And the fact that he didn't show hostility right away is commendable."
"Amida Butsu… Urokodaki-dono, what is your judgment?"
"There's no stench of blood," Urokodaki Sakonji said as he approached. "He's a demon who hasn't tasted human blood."
Hearing this, Tanjiro subconsciously turned his head toward the old man in the tengu mask.
[Does this elder have a sense of smell like mine? …Is he wondering why I haven't eaten humans?]
"Hiru, perhaps I should be the one to—"
Hiru only shook his head toward Kanae, then turned to look at Sanemi.
"Hey. You really want me to do this?" Sanemi looked irritated. "Just because the kid's fine right now doesn't mean he will stay that way. If he attacks someone—"
"I won't do that."
The moment those words left his mouth, everyone's gaze focused on Tanjiro. Kanae couldn't help stepping forward.
"You've retained your reason?"
"Yes, though my memories aren't complete," Tanjiro replied with a small smile. "I'm sorry for causing you trouble."
"To retain sanity without ever eating humans…" Uzui stroked his chin. "Are things related to Yoriichi this extraordinary—even his disciple?"
"Hah. You think just anyone can become my brother's disciple?"
"That's true. After all, it's Yoriichi."
Yoriichi: …
"Hmph. Then let's do it this way," Obanai said, glancing at Sanemi. "The person involved has already spoken."
Sanemi frowned deeply. The man who had been aggressive at the start now found himself hesitating.
"Please don't worry. Before coming here, Hiru already helped me with similar special training," Tanjiro said as he stepped in front of Sanemi. "If the test involves fighting while suppressing hunger, I can manage it for a short time. Please feel free to test me."
"Are you saying you can help us fight demons?" Makomo leaned forward. "Why go that far?"
"Because after learning about my situation, my younger siblings chose to join the Demon Slayer Corps. They said they wanted to work hard alongside me," Tanjiro said, looking toward Nezuko and Takeo in the distance. "But I also heard from inside the box earlier—even if I prove I've overcome my hunger, I'd still be placed under supervision.
"I don't actually mind being supervised. It would completely eliminate the possibility of me harming humans. But I can't stand the thought of my siblings striving so hard for my sake while I do nothing and stand aside.
"So if possible, please let me prove myself. No matter how harsh the test conditions are, it doesn't matter. I want to take this opportunity to know whether I can still protect my family, and whether I can still fight for them."
"You absolutely can," Kanae said with a gentle smile. "I believe you can."
Tanjiro froze for a brief moment, then smiled as well.
"Yes. Thank you for trusting me."
"But how exactly are we supposed to test him?" Uzui said. "Are we meant to attack that kid? That would be far beneath the dignity of the God of Festivals."
"To ensure the accuracy of the results, Tanjiro, please wait elsewhere for now," Ubuyashiki said.
"Once we've reached a decision, we'll inform you."
Still confused, Tanjiro walked over to Nezuko and Takeo. When he met their worried expressions, he couldn't help smiling.
"What's wrong? Why do you both look like that?"
"Big brother… won't it be too dangerous?"
"Dangerous, huh…" Tanjiro rubbed their heads, then turned to Yoriichi and Hiru, who had also come over to avoid suspicion. He smiled softly.
"It'll be fine. If I really do hurt someone, Yoriichi-san and Hiru-san will stop me."
"You actually think you could hurt them?" Hiru said, looking at him. "And it's obvious they're the ones worried about you."
"Mm… I know," Tanjiro said with a smile. "But I'll be fine. Didn't you say that as long as a demon isn't beheaded, nothing irreversible happens? My injuries can heal, but everyone else's can't. If it comes to that, please stop me, Yoriichi-san."
A faint smile appeared on Yoriichi's face as he patted Tanjiro's shoulder.
"I will. I wouldn't want my disciple to be troubled."
"Yes. Thank you very much, Yoriichi-san!"
Hiru let out a sigh.
"At a time like this, shouldn't you be calling me 'Master'?"
"Yes! Master!"
"Will it really be all right?" Nezuko clasped her hands together. "I'm still worried…"
"Don't worry, Nezuko," Tanjiro said with a smile. "Your big brother will do his best."
The Hashira quickly reached a conclusion.
Excluding those who were sympathetic and those who remained neutral, only five Hashira were suitable to participate in the test: Himejima Gyomei, Uzui Tengen, Iguro Obanai, Shinazugawa Sanemi, and Kochou Shinobu.
Kochou Shinobu was eliminated first due to her reliance on poison, which made her unsuitable for a combat trial. Himejima Gyomei and Uzui Tengen were also excluded—one because his weapon could easily cause fatal results, the other because his fighting style would result in instant death.
As for the remaining candidates, Iguro Obanai and Shinazugawa Sanemi, the Hashira quickly devised a combat method capable of evaluating Tanjiro from every angle.
And when Tanjiro learned who would be testing him, he couldn't help but freeze where he stood.