"Both Miss Mizuki and Nezuko are kind demons."
"I believe everyone already has the answer in their hearts."
Even if the others didn't believe it, the facts were right before their eyes, leaving them no room for disbelief.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya continued to reveal more: "What you might not know is that Tanjirou and Nezuko successfully slew a Lower Rank of the Twelve Demon Moons at Mount Natagumo."
Everyone was shocked: "What?!"
Uzui Tengen: "This kid?"
Iguro Obanai: "Unbelievable, unbelievable."
Kanroji Mitsuri: "Wow, that's amazing."
Himejima Gyomei: "Namu Amida Butsu."
Tomioka Giyu's face showed little change; he had witnessed Tanjirou slaying the Lower Rank firsthand.
He had already gotten over his surprise.
Sure enough, besides him, everyone else here was an impressive individual.
Kochou Kanae covered her mouth, looking surprised: "That boy?"
No other reason, Tanjirou looked too young, at most fifteen or sixteen years old.
In comparison, the Hashira were generally around twenty years old, with the Stone Hashira, Himejima Gyomei, being the eldest at twenty-seven.
Most of the others were also in their twenties.
Among them, Kochou Shinobu and Kanroji Mitsuri were slightly younger, at eighteen and nineteen respectively.
Then there was Tokito Muichiro, a genius who became a Hashira two months after picking up a Nichirin Blade, now only fourteen years old, the same age as Nezuko.
Of course, such monsters were usually exceptions.
Was this boy also such a genius?
Everyone couldn't help but turn their gaze to him.
Tanjirou swallowed, a bit uncomfortable with everyone staring, and gave an awkward smile.
He's an idiot.
Everyone immediately averted their gaze.
"And Miss Mizuki, as everyone can see, is a demon who has successfully overcome the sun," Ubuyashiki Kagaya continued, "This is a wish Kibutsuji Muzan has pursued for a thousand years but has never achieved."
"With such a miracle happening before our eyes, I believe everyone should be able to trust their good intentions."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya's words made everyone notice a fact they had overlooked due to their earlier shock.
Sunlight was the fundamental reason the Demon Slayer Corps could slay demons.
The fundamental reason for beheading with a Nichirin Blade was that the blade possessed the energy of the sun.
Overcoming the sun.
This was a dream even Kibutsuji Muzan pursued.
The reason Kibutsuji Muzan acted covertly was precisely because demons couldn't move freely during the day.
Yet, this female demon who suddenly appeared in the Demon Slayer Corps had actually succeeded in doing what even Kibutsuji Muzan had failed to do.
This fundamentally ruled out any connection between her and Kibutsuji Muzan.
The hall was silent; no one uttered a word of rebuttal.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya nodded with satisfaction: "I understand everyone's hatred for demons, but I assure you, the addition of Miss Mizuki and Tanjirou brings us the hope of defeating Kibutsuji Muzan."
Everyone's expressions changed slightly: "Hope of defeating Muzan?"
"We'll discuss this at the Hashira Meeting later," Ubuyashiki said with a smile, "And now, regarding Tanjirou slaying a Lower Rank."
"The Demon Slayer Corps has clear regulations: killing fifty demons, or one of the Twelve Demon Moons, qualifies one to be promoted to a Hashira."
"Tanjirou, after you recover from your injuries, we will decide on your Hashira title."
Tanjirou was filled with trepidation: "Yes!"
Everyone couldn't help but look at him again. Was this kid actually going to be their equal?
They should have bullied him more earlier.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya: "Shinobu, please take Tanjirou to the Butterfly Mansion for treatment."
Kochou Shinobu bowed slightly: "As you command."
"Sister, I'll be right back."
"Mmm."
"Please, both of you, help take Tanjirou and Nezuko to the Butterfly Mansion," Kochou Shinobu said with a smile to the two Kakushi members who had just heard the big news.
"Yes!"
"I'll carry Tanjirou."
"No! I'll carry Tanjirou!"
Kochou Shinobu: "..."
The two argued for a long time, and in the end, Gotou, who was responsible for waking Tanjirou earlier, nervously carried Nezuko on his back under Kochou Shinobu's forced, angry smile.
Although the demon girl seemed incredibly cute from her performance just now, he was still very scared!
Kochou Shinobu nodded slightly to Mizuki, then turned and left.
The two doll-like girls stepped forward half a pace: "Then, please, everyone, and Miss Mizuki, move inside."
"Her?"
"This woman?"
Mizuki nodded: "Yes, I am the Snow Hashira."
Sanemi Shinazugawa's veins throbbed: "Ha? What kind of joke is that! Aren't you a demon?!"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya smiled: "If Miss Mizuki is willing, the Demon Slayer Corps welcomes..."
Mizuki quickly waved her hand: "No, thank you for your trust."
Everyone looked over in unison: This woman actually interrupted the Master's speech!
Under their death stares, Mizuki followed them into the house.
From the way they intentionally blocked her path to Ubuyashiki Kagaya, it was clear that these people still didn't trust her.
There was nothing she could do; she seemed to have scared them just now.
Upon entering the house, Mizuki consciously sat in the very back.
Sanemi Shinazugawa and Iguro Obanai, the two friends, surrounded her from left and right, glaring at her with unfriendly eyes.
Mizuki: "..."
Truly caught between a rock and a hard place.
"Now, regarding this Hashira Meeting," Ubuyashiki Kagaya sat upright in the main seat, his expression serious.
Hearing his voice, everyone involuntarily straightened their posture.
"First, regarding the improvement of Hashira-level combat power, I hope Miss Mizuki can put it on the agenda as soon as possible."
Hashira-level combat power?
Improvement?
These words strung together left everyone a bit confused.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya: "Regarding this, Miss Mizuki will explain."
The Master actually trusted this female demon so much?
Everyone found it somewhat unbelievable.
"Yes, regarding the techniques of the Demon Slayer Mark, scarlet blade, and Transparent World that I mentioned earlier," Mizuki slowly began, "I observed the strength of all you Hashira through the Transparent World just now."
"You only need a trigger to awaken the Demon Slayer Mark."
Sanemi Shinazugawa was completely lost, saying impatiently, "What are you talking about?"
Mizuki pointed to the unique Demon Slayer Mark on her cheek: "Demon Slayer Mark."
She pointed to the Nichirin Blade at her waist: "scarlet blade."
She pointed to her eyes: "Transparent World."
"These are three unique techniques to enhance one's strength."
Sanemi Shinazugawa was somewhat exasperated: "Ha? I don't understand! What in the world are you talking about, woman!"
If the Master hadn't been present, Sanemi Shinazugawa would have already exploded.
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 40 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!