In the spacious courtyard…
Morning light spilled across the scene.
"Please wait a moment. The Master will be here shortly."
After the messenger left, Uchiha Hikari and Bulma each held a cup of tea, sipping quietly in a corner of the courtyard while discreetly observing their surroundings.
This mansion was remarkably secluded.
Not only were Hikari and Bulma, as "outsiders," kept in the dark about its location, but even Hashira like Shinobu Kocho and Giyu Tomioka were blindfolded and escorted here by members of the "Kakushi," with multiple handoffs and route changes to ensure secrecy.
Such stringent precautions stemmed from a tragedy centuries ago when a Demon Slayer Corps member betrayed and attempted to assassinate the Master as a tribute to Muzan.
That traitor was none other than Tsugikuni Yoriichi's older brother, Tsugikuni Michikatsu—now Kokushibo, Upper Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki.
At this moment…
The courtyard and its surroundings were quite picturesque. Traditional buildings, a pond, rock gardens, and, a bit farther off, lush trees and faint mountain ridges gave the impression of being nestled deep in the mountains.
While Hikari surveyed the area…
The others in the courtyard were sizing up her and Bulma.
The monk-like, towering Rock Hashira, Himejima Gyomei; the scarred, bare-chested Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa; the flamboyant Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen, with dual Nichirin Blades; the pink-haired, warm-hearted Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji; the fiery-haired, intense Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro…
Add to that the Serpent Hashira, Iguro Obanai, perched in a tree; the daydreaming Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito; and the initial duo of Shinobu and Giyu.
All nine of the Demon Slayer Corps' current Hashira were present.
From Hikari's position, she could faintly hear their whispers.
"Those two girls over there are the ones the Master wants to meet?"
"Hmph, they look frail, like a gust could knock them over. Just kids!"
"Don't say that, Shinazugawa-san. Those two ladies took down Lower Rank Five at Natagumo Mountain with ease. They might even be stronger than you."
"It's just a Lower Rank…"
The chatter stopped abruptly when the Master, Ubuyashiki Kagaya, arrived. All the Hashira dropped to one knee, bowing respectfully in greeting.
"It's been a while, my dear children. I've called you here today to discuss a few matters."
"But first, I'd like to introduce two friends who, alongside our members Kamado Tanjiro and others, participated in the mission to defeat the Lower Rank demon at Natagumo Mountain… Uchiha Hikari-san and Bulma-san. May I present you to everyone here?"
"…Sure."
Hikari nodded, though a thought flickered in her mind: *The Demon Slayer Corps Master's voice… it really reminds me of Nagato's sister.*
Next…
Ubuyashiki Kagaya took a moment to introduce both sides.
Though they'd never met, it was clear from the Kasugai Crows' reports that he was well-informed about most of what had happened.
"So, in other words…"
Sanemi Shinazugawa spoke first. "This Uchiha Hikari lady is a ninja, like Uzui? Killing a Lower Rank shows some skill, but that's about it. The Demon Slayer Corps doesn't need weaklings!"
"…Shinazugawa-san, I think you've misunderstood something."
At the center of attention, Hikari set down her teacup and slowly stood. "I fought those demons purely out of personal friendship with Tanjiro and a bit of curiosity. I have no intention of joining the Demon Slayer Corps. My purpose here… is to learn the secrets of your 'Breathing Techniques' from all of you."
"Hm?"
Sanemi frowned.
Uzui Tengen snorted. "If you're not joining the Corps, don't spout such ignorant nonsense. Breathing Techniques aren't something you just teach to anyone. How utterly unflashy!"
Hikari nodded. "It's a bold request, I know. So, I've prepared two things to offer in exchange.
First, detailed intelligence on the abilities of several Twelve Kizuki members, including some Upper Ranks. Second, three miracle pills that can heal any injury, even severed limbs or blinded eyes.
Which of these would you find more acceptable as payment for teaching me Breathing Techniques?"
"?!"
"Upper Rank intelligence?!"
"Pills that heal any injury… How could such a thing exist?"
Amid the Hashira's skepticism, Hikari smiled and turned to Ubuyashiki Kagaya, seated above. "Ubuyashiki-san, what do you think?"
"…"
A brief silence.
Ubuyashiki spoke softly. "Uchiha Hikari-san, I have a question… The techniques you used to defeat Rui at Natagumo Mountain—can they be taught to others?"
"They can't. Those are abilities unique to me."
"In that case…"
Ubuyashiki paused, then continued, "I choose the first option: intelligence on the Twelve Kizuki."
He turned to the nine Hashira, bowing slightly with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, everyone, for making this decision without your consent. But this matter is critical to the Demon Slayer Corps. If any of you find teaching Breathing Techniques too difficult, you're under no obligation to do so. I'll find other ways to compensate Uchiha Hikari-san."
His voice was soft…
Yet it stirred a storm.
"Master, do you really believe this girl…?"
"Shinazugawa, don't question the Master's decision," Himejima Gyomei said solemnly, his hands pressed together in prayer.
But Sanemi wasn't ready to back down. After bowing apologetically to Ubuyashiki, he turned to Hikari with a fierce glare. "Master, forgive my rudeness…
I can't believe what this girl's saying. For centuries, even Hashira haven't gotten solid intel on Upper Rank demons. You may have killed a Lower Rank, but the gap between Lower and Upper Ranks is a chasm. Show us some real proof to convince us!"
"…Fine."
Hikari sighed, rising slowly from her seat. "Words alone won't do. Let's settle this with strength."
"Hm? You want a fight? If the Master allows it, I'm game!" Sanemi said eagerly.
Hikari shook her head. "A fight, yes—but not just with you. With *all* of you."
As she spoke, Hikari raised her hand, forming a seal. With a puff of smoke, nine identical copies of her appeared, each with a calm expression, staring straight ahead.
"One-on-one. Fair, right?"
The nine Hashira: "??"
…
Thanks to Ubuyashiki Kagaya's intervention, the nine-on-nine battle didn't happen.
But Hikari still "sparred" with Sanemi Shinazugawa.
She used her real body, not a clone.
If she'd fought with just one-ninth of her chakra, she could've taken on all nine Hashira at once, but that would've required ninjutsu or even dojutsu. Whether the courtyard would still be standing afterward was anyone's guess.
In a one-on-one, she didn't even need a weapon. With bare-handed taijutsu alone, she easily overwhelmed Sanemi, who wielded his Nichirin Blade.
Then, with a flashy but impractical Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet—forming 44 hand signs in 4 seconds—she drained the courtyard's pond in one go, sending Sanemi flying and ending the fight. Just a little ninja shock for the Demon Slayer Corps.
(Chapter End)