Uchiha Hikari didn't even dare use her signature Katon jutsu.
She was worried she might accidentally burn the entire Ubuyashiki estate to the ground.
As for Shinazugawa Sanemi, despite his hotheaded nature, he wasn't a complete blockhead. After realizing the massive gap in their strength, he let Himejima Kyoumei support him back to the group, begrudgingly admitting defeat with a bowed head.
Meanwhile, Himejima Gyomei noticed something else.
"Uchiha-san, you said that move you used earlier… was a ninjutsu?"
"Yup, just basic ninja stuff," Hikari replied casually. She demonstrated a quick Henge no Jutsu, explaining that it was a fundamental technique even kids in ninja school could pull off.
—And that was true. It was part of the graduation exam at Konoha's Ninja Academy.
So…
After watching her flawlessly transform into each of the nine Hashira, starting with Kochou Shinobu, eight of them—including Shinazugawa Sanemi—turned their gazes in unison toward the Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen.
"What? Why're you all staring at *me*?" Uzui Tengen stammered, visibly flustered. "Sure, I was a ninja before joining the Demon Slayer Corps, but… what kind of ninja school teaches *this* kind of flashy basics?!"
"So-called 'ninjutsu' is just sleight-of-hand with props, nothing like the mythical stuff in legends. Even simple disguises require special makeup tools and careful prep… How could anyone just clap their hands and transform?! And changing height and build at will? That's way too outrageous!"
"But we *saw* Uchiha Hikari-san's ninjutsu with our own eyes," Kanroji Mitsuri, the Love Hashira, said earnestly. "I even touched her just now, and there wasn't a single flaw!"
"Could it be…" Iguro Obanai, the Serpent Hashira, pointed a finger from beneath his scarf, his voice cold. "Uzui-san, maybe *you* just didn't master the art?"
"?!"
Uzui Tengen was at his breaking point.
Finally, Ubuyashiki Kagaya stepped in, putting an end to the "ninja" debate.
"Please, everyone, let's calm down. The land Uchiha-san hails from is different from ours, so there's no need to argue over titles."
"Since there are no objections, starting tomorrow, I'd like you all to make time to teach Uchiha-san the 'Breathing Techniques.' Don't worry about the difficulty—she has a learning aptitude beyond anything you can imagine. This could be a valuable chance for you to exchange ideas and learn from each other."
Pausing, Ubuyashiki turned to Hikari. "Uchiha-san, you don't mind me saying that, do you?"
"…Not at all."
Hikari didn't care.
Her goal was to understand the various Breathing Techniques, refine their essence, and integrate them into her own combat style. The process might not be smooth, but sparring ideas with these experienced Hashira and learning from their strengths wasn't a bad deal.
Now…
Hikari was curious about something else.
The Ubuyashiki clan had a mystical ability to foresee the future.
For generations, the clan's leaders had built and sustained the Demon Slayer Corps, battling Muzan for nearly a millennium, largely thanks to this gift.
So…
Had her and Bulma's arrival been anticipated?
The answer came soon enough.
After handling Nezuko's situation in a way similar to the original storyline, Ubuyashiki Kagaya invited Hikari and Bulma into an inner room. He offered them fragrant tea and snacks, politely inviting them to partake.
"Uchiha-san, your guess is correct. I foresaw your and Bulma-san's arrival days ago," he said. "Through the Kasugai Crows assigned to Tanjiro and his group, I also learned of your actions these past days. Though your deeds were driven by personal motives, on behalf of the Demon Slayer Corps, I offer my heartfelt thanks."
With that, Ubuyashiki stood and bowed deeply.
"You're too kind," Hikari said, nodding slightly in return.
As Ubuyashiki knelt back at the table, he continued, "I once saw, through a Kasugai Crow, your clone using a special sword against demons, one that effectively suppressed their regeneration. Could you tell me about it?"
Hikari glanced at Bulma.
Bulma scratched her head. "You mean the lightsaber? That's a beam weapon I invented."
"Then, Bulma-san, would you be open to selling such a weapon?" Ubuyashiki asked. "If so, I'm willing to pay any price—gold, treasures, anything you name."
"Well… I'm from a rich family, so money doesn't really matter to me," Bulma said, pausing. "But if you want, I can give you two of them for free. I made these to fight demons anyway, and they're not much use to me back home."
Ubuyashiki was momentarily stunned. "Bulma-san, your generosity is touching, but… I'm afraid I can't accept such a valuable gift without compensation."
"…"
It was a rare scene.
A lightsaber—an incredible piece of tech—one side wanted to give away, and the other refused to take it for free.
Seeing Bulma's awkward expression, Hikari sighed and offered a suggestion. "Those crows the Demon Slayer Corps raises seem pretty smart. How about sending us a few cages of them? Or maybe some local handicrafts, interesting toys, or items tied to myths and legends—things with a hint of mysterious power. Those could work as trade."
Digging deeper, the *Demon Slayer* world did have a mystical side.
For instance, it had a clear system of reincarnation.
Then there were the Ubuyashiki clan's foresight and curse, or Tsugikuni Yoriichi's innate, otherworldly talent—all carried traces of some inexplicable mystical force. The clan's curse, in particular, could be mitigated through marriage with shrine maiden families, which only added to the mystery.
—Even Muzan's origin a thousand years ago was bizarre. Had he not killed that doctor in a fit of rage, who knows how this world's history might have unfolded?
So…
What were the gods of the *Demon Slayer* world like?
Were they bound by rules, unable to interfere too much in the mortal realm, only offering small blessings? Or were they just tricksters, sitting in the heavens watching the drama unfold?
And what about legends like the Three Sacred Treasures—did they truly exist?
Hikari was deeply curious.
"Items tied to myths and legends…" Ubuyashiki mused for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. I'll compile a list for you both to review as soon as possible."
*(End of Chapter)*