On the other side, just as Uzui Tengen was about to respond, he was interrupted by a loud voice.
"Tomioka! What exactly is Upper Rank Six like? How strong is he?!"
Hearing the question, Tomioka Giyu subconsciously thought of a sentence:
He turned and said, "I haven't seen you in half a year. You've grown stronger again, Kyojuro."
"No! This is far from enough! I still need to train harder!" replied Rengoku Kyojuro, his tone burning with conviction.
Giyu smiled knowingly and thought to himself, Kyojuro is as dazzling as the sun. This time… he won't fall before dawn.
"Let's discuss Upper Six after our master arrives."
While speaking, Giyu was also contemplating what to say next. First of all, they couldn't disclose everything about Upper Rank Six — especially not Daki's identity as the oiran.
If that detail was revealed, Ubuyashiki-sama would certainly dispatch search teams to scour every entertainment district. If they found even one clue, more than half the Hashira would be mobilized.
In that case, Gyutaro and Daki wouldn't stand a chance — not even to escape. So, there was no choice. In order to avoid altering the course of events too drastically, he would have to filter what information he shared.
"Good morning, everyone. The weather is beautiful today. The sun is a bit dazzling, isn't it?" Ubuyashiki had finnaly arrived.
As soon as the words left his mouth, all ten Hashira lined up, knelt on one knee, bowed their heads slightly, and respectfully welcomed the arrival of their master.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya stepped out slowly. If one looked closely, they would see that the curse on his face had spread further.
"I am deeply pleased that all of you could gather here today for the semi-annual Hashira meeting."
"I feel reassured knowing that the Demon Slayer Corps is protected by you ten Hashira."
"You are one of the strongest generations since the first swordsmen. I believe you will be the ones to bring an end to the age of demons."
As soon as he finished, Sanemi Shinazugawa declared with fierce resolve:
"We will not disappoint you, Lord Ubuyashiki. We will annihilate every last demon!"
Tomioka Giyu glanced calmly at Sanemi and thought to himself:
Victory is within reach. But this time, we must save as many lives as we can.
Ubuyashiki gave a faint smile and nodded gently.
"Very well. Everyone, rise."
"Let's begin with the matter concerning Upper Rank Six."
"Giyu..." Ubuyashiki looked toward Giyu.
Tomioka gave a small nod, and without mentioning Daki's true identity, began to share all the information he could disclose. He also spoke about the red Nichirin blade — something he had long debated whether or not to bring up.
But now, with everyone present, the timing seemed right. By informing the Hashira ahead of time, any butterfly effect would be minimal and manageable.
After several minutes, once Tomioka finished his report, Sanemi was the first to speak.
"If you encounter those two demons again, how confident are you that you can finish them?"
It was a good question. After their battle, Giyu had largely deciphered Gyutaro's attack patterns. Although unpredictable and multifaceted, Giyu had learned a lot. As for Daki — stab her a few times and she usually quieted down.
"Em…" Giyu paused for a moment before calmly answering. "Eighty-five percent. That guy's sensory perception and battle instincts are a real problem."
"And I'll be honest — once you're injured, it's like death creeping up slowly."
Sanemi fell into thought, analyzing the odds and perhaps thinking about how to fight if he encountered Upper Six himself.
Changing the subject, Giyu turned toward the towering figure at his side and said:
"But if it were Himejima-san, I believe those two demons wouldn't even be able to run."
"You're right! I would eliminate them entirely!" replied Himejima Gyomei, tears streaming down his face. "Namu Amida Butsu…"
Giyu couldn't help but mentally complain:
This guy's too merciful. Crying while smashing someone with a spiked iron ball? You're terrifying.
At that moment, Iguro Obanai, who had been quiet until now, spoke up.
"Tomioka, how long does the red blade last once activated?"
Giyu considered for a moment.
"I'm not entirely sure. I've only triggered it a few times, and it never lasted long."
"I think it has something to do with grip strength."
"Another method is to strike weapons together — the original intent being to add impact force and generate high heat in the blade."
The Hashira spent some time discussing and testing the Scarlet Crimson Blade technique. Only Himejima, using the impact of his flail and axe, managed to forcefully ignite his blade.
By the time the discussions concluded, the sun was high overhead. Ubuyashiki Kagaya finally announced the end of the Hashira Council meeting.
After returning to his assigned region, Tomioka Giyu resumed his familiar cycle: slaying demons, eating, and sleeping.
Before long, the year came to a close, and Kanzaburu rushed over with a new mission.
"Kaaaw—"
"URGENT DISPATCH! URGENT DISPATCH!!"
"Head to the northern snowfields immediately! Several hunters have been eaten! Demons! Demons!!"
Giyu rubbed his ears and waved a hand.
"Alright, I hear you. Calm down."
The northern mountains… Giyu mulled it over, Why does that sound familiar?
After a brief silence, he remembered.
Right — that side story. Shinobu Kocho was there too.
He dashed off, traveling at full speed for half a day, finally arriving at the snowy outpost: Kitanojuku Station.
Upon entering, Giyu moved slowly along the main street, gathering mission intel and searching for Shinobu. With her assistance, this should go smoothly.
"You went up the mountain alone again, didn't you?!"
"I wasn't alone! Tailu was with me!!"
"Tailu's a dog!! Leave revenge to adults and live your life peacefully!"
Hearing the argument, Giyu quickened his pace.
He arrived to find Shinobu Kocho crouched beside a girl, holding her gently.
Shinobu noticed him and waved.
"Huh? Tomioka? What are you doing here…?"
"Never mind. Come help. This girl has a fever. We need to find a place for her to rest."
Just then, the middle-aged man who had been yelling at the girl stepped in front of Giyu, blocking his way.
"Wait! Who are you?! Where do you think you're taking Yae?!"
"Don't be alarmed, sir," Shinobu said patiently. "I'm a doctor. He's a demon hunter. He's only here to investigate the man-eating bear."
"Please — where is Yae's home? She needs a place to rest. Once I give her an injection, she'll be alright."