At the time, the Ubuyashiki family had made a critical mistake, one that led directly to the erasure of these techniques.

It could even be called a dark chapter in the history of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Because Yoriichi Tsugikuni encountered Muzan and failed to kill him… because he let the demons accompanying Muzan escape… and because his own brother, Michikatsu Tsugikuni, turned into a demon and betrayed the Corps—Yoriichi was expelled from the Demon Slayer Corps.

Some even went so far as to claim that Yoriichi should commit seppuku to atone for his failure. In the end, it was the then-head of the Ubuyashiki family who stopped him, persuading Yoriichi to leave quietly rather than take his own life.

Kagaya had no way of fully understanding the context and emotions of that era, so he could not judge the decisions of his predecessors.

But looking back with the clarity of hindsight, the Demon Slayer Corps had unquestionably made a grave mistake.

If Yoriichi Tsugikuni had remained in the Corps, he could have at least left behind comprehensive records on Sun Breathing.

More swordsmen could have learned the original Breath of the Sun, and when the Corps later became the target of Muzan Kibutsuji, they might not have suffered such devastating losses.

The Hashira fell silent once more.

After a moment, Kagaya turned to Rengoku Kyojuro again and asked:

"How is Takeo-kun's recovery?"

"According to Miss Shinobu, he should wake up within the next two days!" Kyojuro replied immediately.

Ubuyashiki Kagaya gave a reassuring smile and said warmly, "That's wonderful."

He was genuinely pleased by the news of Takeo's recovery.

As the newest Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Takeo had not only protected his comrades during a battle against Upper Rank One, but also survived the encounter—an extraordinary feat.

His actions set an inspiring example.

It was likely that morale within the Demon Slayer Corps would rise significantly because of this.

However, at that moment, Sanemi Shinazugawa voiced a different opinion.

"Come to think of it," the Wind Hashira said with a frown, "that trash, Upper Rank One, came all the way here just for that brat? Why? Do you know anything, Rengoku?"

"We're not sure yet," Kyojuro responded at once. "But Miss Shinobu has already begun investigating!"

Back then, Kokushibo had been too far from the others—only Takeo had heard his words before the battle began. No one else knew what had been said between them.

After Kyojuro arrived to support Takeo, they immediately launched a joint assault. Upper Rank One, Kokushibo, had no chance to explain his true intentions.

So during the time Takeo remained unconscious, no one could determine why Kokushibo had come specifically for him.

The only way to find out—was to wait for Takeo to wake up.

...

"…That's how it was."

On the other side, Takeo gave a concise account of his exchange with Kokushibo.

Shinobu Kocho carefully took notes, intending to compare them later with Kyojuro's report to ensure nothing was overlooked.

Then, Shinobu Kocho asked:

"Why would the Upper Rank One come looking for Kamado-kun?"

This question was the real reason Shinobu had come personally after Takeo regained consciousness.

After all, Takeo's body had nearly fully recovered. Aside from some weakness due to not eating for several days—and the fact that his left hand was still adorably baby-sized—there was nothing unusual about his condition.

Shinobu, being busy with her own duties, generally didn't concern herself with patients once they were out of danger.

But this time, she came in person because she wanted to know the true reason Kokushibo had sought out Kamado Takeo.

"Because…"

Takeo began to speak, but stopped himself as soon as the words left his mouth.

Kokushibo had come to learn where Takeo had learned Sun Breathing—and to kill him for it.

This alone revealed just how deeply Muzan Kibutsuji feared and despised Sun Breathing—so much so that he wanted to exterminate anyone who knew of it.

If Takeo told the Hashira about Sun Breathing and how to use it, they might also become targets of the same relentless pursuit.

And Takeo had witnessed Kokushibo's power firsthand.

If all Upper Ranks were anywhere near that level—even just slightly weaker—then no single Hashira could deal with them alone.

They would die.

When he considered the possibility, Takeo closed his mouth.

Shinobu Kocho seemed to sense his hesitation. She lowered her voice but still asked gently:

"Is it a secret that can't be shared?"

"Not exactly…"

"So you're worried that we might be in danger if we knew?"

"…"

"Ah, it seems I was right," she said with a knowing smile.

Seeing that Takeo remained silent, Shinobu smiled even more warmly. She didn't press the issue but said softly:

"Kamado-kun, the Hashira aren't as fragile as you think. It's fine if they know a few secrets. And… maybe we can even use that knowledge to strike back at the Upper Ranks."

She paused briefly before adding, "But since you don't want to talk about it now, I won't force you. I'll have Aoi bring you something to eat later. Get some rest, Kamado-kun."

With that, Shinobu gently patted Takeo's arm, then stood up and left the room.

She didn't push any further about Kokushibo's motives. Once she realized Takeo didn't want to speak, she immediately let the subject drop.

Takeo could feel the trust she had in him—it was the same trust Kyojuro had shown him.

After becoming a Hashira, no one would doubt their fellow Pillars. Even if they disliked someone, they believed without question that their comrades would never pose a threat to the Demon Slayer Corps.

This trust was shared by all.

But Takeo… still fell slightly short of it.

At least at this moment, he couldn't fully trust in the strength of the other Hashira.

There was no helping it. The title "Hashira Slayer" had become deeply etched into his mind in recent days. He simply couldn't believe that people who were likely to die in future battles against demons would survive after learning the truth about Sun Breathing.

The knowledge of this world's future—that was the one secret Takeo kept buried in his heart, never to be shared with anyone.

Not long after Shinobu Kocho left, a girl named Kanzaki Aoi entered the room carrying a tray of food.

It was all light fare—liquid dishes and soft sponge cakes—nothing that would upset his stomach.

After placing the tray beside his bed, she immediately began chattering:

"You can't eat too much right after waking up. I know you have a strong recovery ability, but to heal faster, you still have to follow the doctors' advice. Also, even if you can move, don't start walking around right away. Begin with some rehabilitation exercises first…"

Her words sounded a bit stiff, as if she were reciting from a script—just repeating something she had memorized.

It seemed she had only recently begun working in the medical wing.

Takeo looked at her more carefully, trying to remember if he had seen her somewhere before—but nothing came to mind. Eventually, he gave up trying.

Maybe she really had been part of the same cohort as him and Muichiro, but unfortunately, Takeo had no memory of her.

After Kanzaki Aoi finished speaking, Takeo simply replied with a calm, "Thank you."

He said nothing more.

Aoi looked at him a few times, somewhat surprised, and then suddenly remarked, "You talk a lot less than you did during the Final Selection."

"…You know me?"

"I saw your fight with Tokito… Tokito-sama. You seemed a lot more confident back then. More… energetic? Never mind. Anyway, get some good rest. Call me if you need anything."

For some reason, Aoi gave up trying to continue the conversation and quietly walked out.

But as she left, her back looked a little lonely—no one could guess what she was thinking.

Come to think of it… it was strange that an official member of the Demon Slayer Corps would remain in the Butterfly House as medical staff instead of going out to slay demons.

But that had nothing to do with Takeo.

After Kanzaki Aoi left, Takeo lay back down on the bed and closed his eyes to rest.

From time to time, he glanced at his left hand. But seeing that it still hadn't changed, he eventually just tucked it under the blanket with a sigh.

Out of sight, out of mind.

After resting in bed for a while, Takeo had to open his eyes again.

He sensed someone approaching—and with the familiar, warm scent in the air, he turned his head to the side.

Sure enough, Rengoku Kyojuro was standing there.

The moment Takeo looked at him, Kyojuro greeted him with his usual radiant smile:

"Good morning, Takeo!"

Ugh …And his voice was still as loud as ever.

_________

Read 12 chapters ahead of WN at:

Patreon: HornyFBI