Tanjiro's matter was thus settled. He would be personally supervised by Yoriichi until the day his family officially joined the Demon Slayer Corps, at which point responsibility would be transferred.
When that time came, Hiru would also provide medicine to Tanjiro's family as a precaution, to prevent any unforeseen changes.
In addition, during this period, Hiru would use his connections to actively research and search for a medicine capable of turning demons back into humans, hoping that one day Tanjiro might return to a normal life.
With this incident resolved, the Hashira moved on to reporting their work and exchanging intelligence. After completing these routine proceedings, the Hashira Meeting officially came to an end.
Although Hiru still couldn't help worrying about Tanjiro, Yoriichi had assured him that he would take good care of the boy and urged Hiru to focus on what he needed to do. Reluctantly setting his concerns aside, Hiru went to find Uzui, who had said earlier that he needed his help.
"So," Hiru asked, "can you tell me what this is about now?"
"Mm… where should I start?" Uzui lowered his gaze. After a brief silence, he spoke. "Recently, the demons' movements have been very strange. I don't know about everyone else's territories, but mine is definitely off."
"Does it have anything to do with the demon eyeballs my brother mentioned at the meeting?"
"I'm not sure. What I've noticed is that wealthy individuals in my territory have been getting killed frequently, and the most important point is that almost all of their homes were completely ransacked," Uzui said, crossing his arms. "So I'm starting to suspect human involvement. I've already begun investigating."
"Suspecting human involvement…" Hiru let out a short laugh. "No wonder you didn't bring it up during the meeting and came to me instead. Fine, I'll help. Once you've confirmed action, just send a Kasugai Crow to find me. Still, I didn't expect you to have this side to you."
"I don't have much choice. Some people are more dangerous alive than demons," Uzui said, scratching the back of his neck. "And as for the Demon Slayer Corps—sure, we're good at dealing with demons, but humans? After thinking it over, this kind of thing really can only be left to you.
"After all, you're the only one in the entire Corps who'd snap someone's arm without hesitation just because they were in the way of catching demons."
"I healed them afterward, didn't I?" Hiru shot back. "And don't act like you wouldn't do the same."
"No. I'd just knock them unconscious."
Hiru: …That's not any better. Losing consciousness is even more dangerous.
"By the way—" Uzui suddenly grinned teasingly. "That new recruit who joined today is seriously hot. You're still single, right? No interest? In our line of work, you've got to enjoy life while you can."
"…Impossible," Hiru replied flatly. "The age gap alone is big enough that even thinking about it feels like a crime."
Uzui burst into a rather nasty laugh.
"What, embarrassed? You didn't react at all when the newbie was dressed that provocatively, but now you're shy?"
[Provocative? Isn't it just the standard uniform?]
Hiru tilted his head, about to ask what nonsense Uzui was spouting, when a loud, clear voice rang out from slightly behind them.
"Well done! I never thought you'd become a Hashira so quickly, Mitsuri! In that case, I'll treat everyone today!"
"Eh—are you sure? I eat a lot…"
"No problem! Hashira funds are very generous! But before that, I still have something to take care of!
I need to go talk to Big Brother Hiru about something!"
Having heard everything perfectly clearly, Hiru let out a long sigh, his expression full of distaste.
"Those stubborn, thick-headed Rengoku family members…"
"What happened?" Uzui asked. "Did you two clash?"
"Yeah. It's because he discovered me that I had no choice but to bring Tanjiro to the Corps."
"Oh, right," Uzui said, stroking his chin. "The Rengoku family has that highly skilled doctor you recommended, don't they? You had that friend of yours help research the medicine to turn demons back into humans?"
Hiru nodded slightly.
Uzui couldn't help letting out a long breath. "Humans turning into demons is already unbelievable enough, and now they might be able to turn back… Just so you know, I still haven't approved of that kid."
"And yet you still dare come talk to me?"
"Public matters are public, private matters are private. They don't interfere with each other, alright?"
"Get lost."
"Big Brother Hiru, I have something to say to you!"
Hiru sighed and turned around.
"If it's about that matter, then—"
His words caught in his throat.
"…What kind of outfit is that?!"
"Hm? This? It's the uniform!"
"Not you!" Hiru immediately turned his head away and pointed in Mitsuri's direction, his face flushing red. "I'm talking about her! Doesn't the Demon Slayer Corps have proper uniforms?! Why are you dressed like that?!"
"Eh—this *is* the uniform?" Mitsuri blinked.
"Mm! That's right!" Rengoku nodded earnestly. "I also thought it was rather unusual, but if that's the rule, then there was nothing I could do!"
Hiru covered his eyes with one hand.
"What kind of rule is that?! You two were clearly tricked!"
"Ignore this guy," Uzui said, laughing shamelessly as he gave Mitsuri a thumbs-up.
"You look amazing! Super flashy!"
Mitsuri instinctively covered her cheeks.
"Eh—amazing? That doesn't really suit me…"
"Come on, stand up straight! Show off those impressive assets and you'll be the most—"
Hiru dropped his hand just in time to see Uzui clutch his face, letting out a muffled, wordless wail.
"Later," Hiru said flatly, "have Shinobu go with you and get a new uniform. Who fights dressed like that?
Even setting that aside, uniforms are meant to protect the body. What kind of protection does that scrap of fabric provide?"
"Eh… that's true…" Mitsuri hesitated. "Ah, I really didn't think about that at all…"
"And you, Kyojuro," Hiru added, still keeping his eyes closed as he turned toward Rengoku. "I already know what you're about to say. Following the rules is a good thing."
"Mm, but—"
"If you had to do it again, would you make the same choice?"
"…I think I would," Rengoku replied, his expression firm. "I can't quite put this feeling into words! I know I made a mistake, but I don't regret it! The Demon Slayer Corps exists to protect humanity, so I believe eliminating potential threats must come first!"
"That's enough," Hiru said softly.
He let out a quiet sigh and tilted his head back, watching the clouds drift across the sky.
"People thinking and acting differently because of their positions is only natural.
If I had to put it simply… reason and emotion just haven't managed to align."