The relentless attacks from the Hashira were beginning to irritate Carl.

He was starting to think it might be better to end this trouble once and for all.

He had already made up his mind.

If they continued attacking him, he might actually take action—seriously this time.

"Lord Ubuyashiki is here."

"Lord Ubuyashiki is here."

…

Two simultaneous voices echoed across the courtyard.

Everyone froze instinctively, turning toward the sound.

From one of the houses in the courtyard emerged three figures.

In the center walked a man with black hair.

The upper half of his face was disfigured, his eyes lifeless—it was clear he was blind.

Yet despite that, the man still smiled softly, carrying himself with a calm and gentle presence.

At his sides were two silver-haired girls, each supporting him as he walked forward.

Carl recognized the man immediately — Ubuyashiki Kagaya, the head of the Demon Slayer Corps.

He was known among the Slayers as "Lord" — their master and leader.

Though frail in body and afflicted by illness so severe he could barely swing a sword ten times,

Ubuyashiki Kagaya possessed an extraordinarily broad heart, graceful manners, and deep compassion for his subordinates.

He commanded immense respect throughout the Corps — from every Slayer, including the Hashira themselves.

Facing Carl's direction, Ubuyashiki Kagaya spoke in a gentle voice.

『Ubuyashiki Kagaya』: Greetings, sir. Could I ask that you all stop fighting?

『Carl』: Of course. I never intended to fight them in the first place—only to punish three rude people.

In his previous life, Carl hadn't paid much attention to this "Master of the Demon Slayer Corps."

But now that they were speaking directly, he found the man's tone unexpectedly pleasant—there was a calming sincerity to it.

『Ubuyashiki Kagaya』: I see… Then please forgive us for this misunderstanding.

『Carl』: It's fine. It's already settled.

The Hashira seethed in silent fury.

The man before them had killed two of their own—yet he spoke to their Lord in such a casual tone!

Still, remembering Carl's overwhelming power, none dared voice their anger aloud.

They could only swallow it, fists trembling.

『Rengoku Kyojuro』: You bastard! Show some respect to Lord Ubuyashiki!

『Ubuyashiki Kagaya』: It's all right, Kyojuro. Don't be rude.

『Rengoku Kyojuro』: Lord Ubuyashiki…! That man killed Uzui and Sanemi! He's an enemy of the Demon Slayer Corps!

Ubuyashiki's face remained calm—unchanging.

『Ubuyashiki Kagaya』: I'm sure there must be… some kind of misunderstanding.

By now, realizing Carl wasn't attacking, the Hashira all dropped to one knee and bowed deeply before their master.

Their respect for him came from the heart.

Tanjiro followed their lead, bowing as well.

『Iguro Obanai』: Lord Ubuyashiki, there's no misunderstanding. He really did kill the Sound and Wind Hashira.

『Ubuyashiki Kagaya』: I understand.

『Rengoku Kyojuro』: Lord, I deeply respect you—but this man is our enemy! Don't you care about our fallen comrades? Why not give the order to destroy him?!

Ubuyashiki fell silent for a moment, a bitter smile flickering in his heart.

He already knew what had happened in the courtyard earlier.

He didn't know who Carl truly was, but the speed with which he had slain the Wind and Sound Hashira was terrifying.

Even when all the Hashira fought together, none could harm him.

He knew that much.

Ubuyashiki Kagaya was a man who cherished his subordinates deeply.

He personally remembered every Slayer who had ever died in service and often visited their graves.

To the Corps, he was more than a leader — he was a father figure.

Even the short-tempered Wind Hashira respected him as such.

And yet, this same man—one who valued his people above all—remained calm toward the one who had slain two of his most elite warriors.

He hadn't ordered an attack.

He hadn't even shown hatred.

The Hashira couldn't comprehend it.

But there was a reason.

It was because Ubuyashiki valued his subordinates, because he possessed the wisdom of a true leader, that he made such a choice.

No one cared for the Demon Slayers more than he did.

He had a strong bond with each of the nine Hashira.

Whenever one of them died, his grief was deeper than anyone's.

And yet, Carl's strength was simply too overwhelming.

Ubuyashiki knew everything that had transpired.

Killing two Hashira was one thing—but afterward, even with all the others attacking together, Carl remained untouched.

Obanai's arm had even been shattered.

That kind of strength inspired genuine fear.

Not even the Twelve Kizuki… not even Muzan Kibutsuji himself could display such dominance.

To put it bluntly—Ubuyashiki believed Carl was stronger than Muzan.

Because Carl had done something Muzan could never do.

So even though the deaths of the two Hashira pained him deeply,

Ubuyashiki chose to endure that sorrow—for the sake of protecting the remaining Hashira and every member of the Corps.

He did not give the order to fight Carl.

He only prayed that Carl would not annihilate them all.

And in truth, he had a faint confidence that Carl wouldn't.

Judging by how easily he had killed the two Hashira, Carl had more than enough power to wipe out everyone present.

But he didn't.

He had even said he didn't wish to harm them.

And judging from his familiarity with Tanjiro, there seemed to be some prior connection between them.

All of that gave Ubuyashiki a sliver of faith—just a sliver—that Carl would not destroy the Corps.

Still, it was only a fragile hope.

He couldn't be sure.

The only thing he could do now was to prevent further hostility and calm the Hashira.

Even so, many of them still could not understand.

『Rengoku Kyojuro』: But…!

He was about to protest again when Shinobu stepped forward and stopped him.

『Kochō Shinobu』: Rengoku-san, please—obey our Lord's command.

Rengoku turned to her, startled. He hadn't expected those words from her of all people.

Then Giyu spoke as well.

『Tomioka Giyu』: Rengoku… I agree. For now, we shouldn't fight him.

Rengoku met Giyu's eyes and saw nothing but calm, serious resolve—the same expression Shinobu wore moments ago.

He fell silent.

『Rengoku Kyojuro』: …I understand.

And said no more.

In truth, what Ubuyashiki—who wasn't even a warrior—had realized, the Hashira certainly knew as well.

They had fought Carl directly. They had witnessed his terrifying strength with their own eyes.

They had seen the Wind and Sound Hashira die in an instant, their own attacks meaningless.

Every one of them knew Carl was far too strong.

Tomioka knew it. Shinobu knew it.

They couldn't win.

They simply couldn't. There was no hope.

And that was why they all fell silent.