Uzui had been about to turn his gaze toward Gyomei. But when he caught Hiru's slightly confused expression out of the corner of his eye, irritation immediately flared.
"What are you confused about?" he snapped. "Do you really think that if we laid a hand on you, Yoriichi wouldn't attack us the very next second?"
Hiru: …You're talking nonsense. (╬￣-￣)
"Indeed. When Uzui showed hostility earlier, Yoriichi's aura wavered," Gyomei said, straightening his posture.
"Yoriichi is not a vicious man. From the time we've spent together, I can say with certainty that his nature is kinder than most people in this world."
"But even someone kind must have something they are determined to protect. I still remember what Hiru once said—that demons exist by clinging to their obsessions. His obsession may be killing Muzan to avenge his clan, which is why he shows no concern for his own life or death."
"But Yoriichi… may not be the same."
"When it comes to killing Muzan, my brother and I are in complete agreement." The confusion on Hiru's face only deepened. "That is a goal that will never change."
"Of course we can sense that as well. We've all seen how much the two of you hate demons," Makomo said, coughing lightly.
"But if we ever truly became enemies, I would rather face Hiru than Yoriichi. In terms of strength and how we could respond, he is far easier to deal with."
"Although Hiru also tries to avoid forming connections with people, Yoriichi does this even more. Sometimes I hear the Kakushi talking about the Hashira. Yoriichi is the one mentioned the least."
"And when he is mentioned, it is usually together with Hiru—or people expressing awe at his strength. But when they talk about Hiru, it's completely different."
Makomo paused, smiling slightly.
"When the Kakushi mention you, they're usually discussing what kind of sweets they should buy the next time they see you. They talk about how thoughtful the return gifts you give them are.
"Sometimes they even complain that the places you hunt demons are too remote, making the follow-up work difficult."
At that point she couldn't help laughing, though the movement pulled at her injury and made her cough again.
"In short, compared to Yoriichi, Hiru still retains far more emotions—even as a demon. And people with strong emotions often have greater weaknesses."
"So personally, I hope Hiru dies after Yoriichi. And besides, I still stand by my opinion about demons. As long as they don't eat humans and are willing to be monitored, peaceful coexistence isn't a problem."
"I flashily agree with the part about dying after Yoriichi," Uzui said, rubbing the back of his neck now that the prickling there had finally faded. "If you really intend to oppose Muzan, then stop talking nonsense about giving up resistance and dying. Just stay alive and become the last demon in the world.
"Honestly, it seems to me like you want the Demon Slayer Corps wiped out even more than Muzan does."
Hiru still looked puzzled.
"But wasn't my proposal the most reasonable choice, considering everyone's circumstances?" he said.
"For Muzan, it would cut off one path to conquering sunlight. For the Demon Slayer Corps, there would no longer be a Demon King capable of turning humans into demons."
"And my brother would not have to face the pain of personally ending the life of his own family."
"Isn't that the best possible outcome right now?"
"After all, now that everyone knows our identities, it will be difficult for you to trust us any longer, won't it?"
"Is there really a difference between watching a loved one die right in front of you while being powerless to stop it, and ending their life with your own hands?! If no one else trusts you two, then I will!" Kanae's voice rang out sharply."
Hiru looked up at her.
"But—"
"No 'buts'!" Kanae's voice rose again. "Didn't you say you would accept whatever decision was made about you? Then starting now, unless you are asked a question, Hiru, you are not allowed to speak!"
Hiru: …Why are you yelling? Fine, I'll be quiet.
After being shouted at, he obediently fell silent. But the Hashira's discussion continued.
No matter how they discussed it, they couldn't avoid the issue of trust. Even with Kanae doing her best to persuade them, Iguro alone completely rejected her view.
"For the Demon Slayer Corps to shelter a demon—doesn't that completely negate our very purpose?" Iguro said coldly, ignoring her anger.
"If we set such a precedent today, what happens when we encounter other demons in the future? Should we let them go as well?"
A chill crept up Uzui's spine. The breath of relief he had just released immediately tightened again.
But before he could speak, Kagaya spoke first.
"It seems we have reached a stalemate."
His voice was soft, yet it immediately stopped the heated argument between Kanae and Iguro.
A gentle smile appeared on Kagaya's lips.
"After listening to the discussion, I understand everyone's thoughts. I know your minds are in turmoil right now, but please calm yourselves. A confused mind will inevitably affect one's judgment."
"As Oyakata-sama commands."
Kagaya's gaze swept across the room.
"You have all spent time with Hiru and Yoriichi. So please set aside your prejudice toward humans and demons and answer honestly.
"Have they ever done anything truly unforgivable?"
Silence fell over the room once more.
Every member present had received instruction from Yoriichi. The medicines Hiru improved after joining them had also been widely used by the swordsmen.
If anything, the two had not committed any unforgivable acts at all. On the contrary, they had contributed greatly to the organization.
Observing the subtle shifts in everyone's expressions, Kagaya spoke again.
"To ignore their contributions and label them 'criminals' based solely on their identities, then execute them… would be far too narrow-minded.
"Therefore, I hope everyone can judge this matter more fairly."
"Then hand Hiru over to me," Uzui declared boldly. "As the God of Festivals, I'll flashily make him squeeze every bit of value he has out of himself for us before the end!"
Iguro still frowned.
"Hey, Uzui. That's the Primordial Demon who can turn humans into demons—"
"So what?" Uzui lifted his chin proudly and pointed his thumb at himself. "If he wants to turn me into a demon, then let him try.
"When that happens, this God of Festivals will flashily overcome the hunger, break free of his control, and cut him down with my blade. I'll make him understand exactly what we truly are!"
Hiru couldn't help raising his head.
"Uzui, you…"
"Be grateful!" Uzui declared. "As a god, it's only natural that I take responsibility for my people!"
Hiru's expression turned complicated.
"No, what I was going to say is that I would absolutely never turn someone like you—someone whose aesthetic clashes with mine and whose behavior is so outrageous—into my descendant.
"That would be far too embarrassing."