"Useless," the Water Pillar said, stepping forward and placing a hand firmly on the Wind Pillar's shoulder.
He was the only one who had managed to keep a relatively cool head throughout everything. In fact, as dawn had approached, Ichiei had already begun to suspect that something was off about Oboro's behaviour—that it was highly probable he wasn't actually a demon.
Logically speaking, if Oboro truly were a demon, he possessed more than enough power to have easily escaped their encirclement long before now, or simply killed them all and fled to safety. He had absolutely no reason to stay and fight until sunrise.
From a worldly and legal standpoint, they were completely powerless against him anyway. Even if they wanted to avenge their fallen comrade, they simply didn't have the strength to defeat him.
The Wind Pillar glared furiously, his eyes bloodshot and brimming with unwillingness and frustration. His gaze was so intense it looked as if he wanted to tear Oboro apart and swallow him whole. Yet deep down, he knew his comrade was speaking the hard truth.
"I have a question," Ichiei said, looking directly at Oboro.
Oboro waited patiently for him to continue.
"Why?"
It was a simple question, just one word. But Oboro understood exactly what he was asking.
He didn't know any formal sword techniques. His physical strength was only average at best. He hadn't displayed any signs of using a powerful Breathing Style. And yet... he had effortlessly overwhelmed and suppressed all of them.
"Here," Oboro replied, raising a finger and gently tapping the side of his head. "Experience."
He was drawing upon the lessons learned from countless battles—fights far more dangerous, complex, and deadly than this one. Back in his previous world, the enemies he had faced often defied common understanding and logic; beings governed by entirely different rules and possessing supernatural abilities far beyond anything in this world.
Powers that transcended the traditional concepts of strength and skill, combined with the intricate mechanics and dazzling effects of Nen abilities... things neither human swordsmen nor demons could ever hope to possess or comprehend.
He had spent his entire life fighting at the absolute highest level possible.
Of course, to the Pillars standing before him, his explanation sounded completely useless. Experience was something each person had to accumulate themselves—it couldn't simply be shared or taught.
"My breathing, the way I move and use weapons..." Oboro continued softly. "Even though I haven't learned any formal styles or techniques, every method, skill, or trick in this world follows certain principles and patterns. No matter how different they appear on the surface, they all operate under the same fundamental laws. When you swing your swords, you rely first and foremost on your body mechanics. So long as I can observe and predict how your body moves, I can determine the exact angle, trajectory, and speed of your strike... Even if I limit my physical abilities to match yours, I can still find the critical point of weakness in your attacks and counter effectively, striking before you can even reach me."
"You see," he said calmly, "your minds have become restricted and confined by the Breathing Styles and sword techniques you've practiced your whole lives. They've become instinctive habits that you follow blindly. After fighting me all night, you still haven't been able to read or predict my movements—and that alone proves my point."
"A very long time ago, there lived a swordsman who had reached the absolute pinnacle of mastery. His breathing was perfect, and his swordsmanship was flawless. When people fought against him, they found it impossible to read him or find any opening or weakness to exploit. He moved as if his entire being was one cohesive whole. By the time your eyes registered his movement and your brain tried to react, his sword had already struck down. His techniques were never fixed or rigid; his breathing was simply a tool he used as he pleased... he never truly relied entirely on its power. In other words: for you all, breathing is breathing, and swordsmanship is swordsmanship. You treat them as if they have merged perfectly into one, but in reality, you are still treating them as two completely separate things."
As he spoke these words, the image of Tanjuro Kamado performing the Hinokami Kagura dance flashed through Oboro's mind, blending together with the vague, ethereal silhouette of Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
The Kamado family could never hope to reach the level of mastery achieved by Yoriichi, which was why they had to rely on fixed forms and set movements in order to preserve and pass down the Sun Breathing style. But for Yoriichi himself, such rigid forms were entirely unnecessary.
Just from observing the principles of Sun Breathing, Oboro could clearly understand exactly what level of power and mastery Yoriichi truly possessed.
"The ways in which I broke your techniques and countered your attacks were all based upon weaknesses that already existed within your own styles," Oboro told them seriously. "I suggest you remember everything that happened here today. Use these memories to identify your flaws and improve yourselves."
With that, Oboro simply reached out with two fingers and gently pushed aside the Wind Pillar's blade blocking his path, then turned and walked slowly away.
As he departed, carried on the breeze in the early morning light, his voice drifted back to them one last time.
"His death wasn't meaningless... At the very least, it taught you something important, didn't it?"
He was speaking, of course, about the Lightning Pillar.
AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!
A deafening, heart-wrenching roar of grief and rage erupted high into the sky as the Wind Pillar watched him leave.
That night had been the most intense, shocking, and humiliating experience they had ever endured since joining the Demon Slayer Corps. For some of them, it would remain a painful scar and stain upon their honour for the rest of their lives.
"It wasn't sympathy..."
"It was charity given while looking down on us and treating us like toys," the Water Pillar murmured, pressing his hand against his forehead, his voice heavy with suppressed emotion.
His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword until his knuckles turned white.
Was he angry? Of course he was furious... but unlike the Wind Pillar whose anger exploded outward, Ichiei kept his buried deep inside his heart.
There was no denying it—Oboro had helped them. He had helped them evolve and improve, using this painful, unforgettable experience to push them toward growth.
But... if becoming stronger required paying the price of sacrificing one of their own comrades... then honestly? He would rather remain weak.
And why did he say they were being treated like toys? Because there were countless ways Oboro could have chosen to guide them or pass on his knowledge, yet he had deliberately chosen this specific way... a way they simply couldn't bring themselves to accept.
And what about the villagers? The innocent people he had slaughtered? Just what exactly did this man view human life as being worth?
Was he really any different from the demons they hunted?
...
Several days later, inside the Ubuyashiki estate...
The six remaining Pillars, led by Ichiei, gave a detailed report describing everything that had happened during their confrontation with Oboro.
"That is exactly how it happened," Ichiei finished speaking.
All six of them looked exhausted and haggard. It seemed even after several days had passed, they had still not fully recovered from the physical and mental toll of that night.
To one side lay a body covered completely by a white cloth—the remains of the Lightning Pillar. The air around him was thick with the unpleasant smell of decay...
They had brought their fallen comrade back home with them, returning first to report to their Master.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki looked down at the body of the young swordsman. His face remained calm and composed, but his eyes betrayed the immense grief and heartache he was feeling.
"I understand," he said softly, his voice as steady and gentle as always.
With the help of his wife, he slowly stood up and walked over to kneel beside the corpse. He gently took the stiff, cold hand of the Lightning Pillar in both of his own, holding it reverently. Then, looking up at the six dejected warriors standing before him, he smiled sadly and said:
"You must not blame yourselves for what happened. This is my fault... It was my error in judgment. If only I had realised sooner that he had broken free of Muzan's control, none of this tragedy would have occurred. After I die and before I descend into Hell, I shall personally apologise to Kazumi-san and explain everything to him properly."
"Master..."
Hearing him speak like this, the hearts of the Pillars sank heavily.
The simple phrase 'descend into Hell' was enough to reveal just how immense the burden and pressure Kagaya carried upon his shoulders every single day.
And the profound sense of resolve and responsibility he possessed.
He took full responsibility upon himself for the deaths of every single Demon Slayer who had fallen during his era, honestly believing that in some way, he was the one who had killed them.
Kagaya believed firmly everything Ichiei and Tenjuro had told him—that Oboro had truly transformed completely into a demon back in Seirin Town, yet had somehow returned to being human once again. It sounded completely absurd and unbelievable... but it wasn't entirely impossible. At the very least, the Ubuyashiki family had known for generations that Muzan Kibutsuji had spent centuries searching for something, desperately trying to find a way to overcome the weaknesses and flaws inherent within his own cursed bloodline.
Furthermore, based on everything they had seen and experienced, Oboro was clearly no ordinary person—in fact, he was far more extraordinary and mysterious than they could even imagine. For such a person, accomplishing the impossible wasn't really all that surprising.
The depth of knowledge Oboro possessed regarding demons, the Demon Slayer Corps, Muzan himself, and the ancient, fated conflict that had lasted for centuries... it was likely far greater than even their own.
Shortly afterward, members of the 'Kasugai Crow' and the lower-ranked corps staff arrived to respectfully take away the Lightning Pillar's body and prepare it for burial.
With the immediate matter settled, Kagaya then led the Pillars into a serious discussion regarding 'Oboro'.
But before long, a sharp disagreement broke out among them.
The Water Pillar and the Wind Pillar found themselves standing on completely opposite sides of the argument, each firmly defending their own views.
"Even you yourself admitted that he was just playing around with us, treating us like fools!" the Wind Pillar shouted angrily. "He doesn't even know how to wield a sword properly! He is our enemy! Why the hell should we accept anything from him? From this day forward, I will never use or practice that breathing method he taught us again! I already have my own Breathing Style, and it has served me well enough to kill demons, including members of the Twelve Kizuki! I will continue to grow stronger my own way, and I will kill Muzan one day... mark my words!"
"You need to calm down," Ichiei replied, frowning deeply. "Right now, you are acting purely out of emotion and hatred."
"Acting out of emotion?!" the Wind Pillar roared furiously. "Don't you dare act so high and mighty, you ungrateful bastard! Don't you forget—Kazumi died for us! If he hadn't rushed forward to take the lead, it could have been you who died! It could have been any one of us!"
Furious beyond reason, he suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Ichiei roughly by the collar, lifting him slightly off the ground. His eyes were bloodshot and filled with a terrifying intensity.
"I've already decided! If we still haven't found Muzan after some time, I'm going straight to the pleasure district where that man resides, and I will kill him! Even if I'm not strong enough to defeat him directly... I'll kill everyone and everything he cares about! I'll make him taste the same pain of losing loved ones that we have suffered! I want him to feel exactly what it's like!"
"Fine... I don't want to accept power gained from him either," Ichiei said calmly, looking straight back at the Wind Pillar without flinching. "But... the undeniable truth remains that these techniques will make us stronger. They will help us kill more demons. They will improve the overall situation of the entire Corps. And one day, when we finally stand face-to-face against Muzan himself, having this extra strength might just mean the difference between life and death—it might save the lives of countless comrades."
"Compared to the humiliation and pain Oboro put us through... do you know what I fear much more?" Ichiei continued quietly, his voice trembling slightly with emotion. "I fear waking up tomorrow, or the day after that, or at any time in the future... and seeing you or any of my other comrades fall right before my eyes, while I remain completely powerless to do anything to stop it. Having that happen just once... was already more than enough."
"You can call me weak or spineless if you want. Go ahead and laugh at me—I honestly don't care. Kazumi is already dead, and believe me... I hate Oboro with every fibre of my being. But I also know clearly that right now... in my current state... I simply am not strong enough to avenge him. So instead of just venting my anger uselessly here and now... I choose to become stronger. Even if it means using the power taught to me by our enemy. As long as it helps me become strong enough to kill Muzan... and strong enough to kill him... I don't care about the cost."
"..."
The Wind Pillar gritted his teeth furiously, but he couldn't find a single word to refute him.
Using the very power given to them by their enemy to eventually strike back against him... it actually made perfect sense.
Without Oboro's breathing techniques, without the lessons he had taught them during that long night... relying only on their current abilities, it was highly unlikely they would ever be able to break through their current limits and reach the next level of power.
"I don't know how the rest of you feel..." Ichiei looked around at the faces of his fellow Pillars.
"Aside from Tenjuro and Tsukahara, who earned their rank by defeating members of the Lower Ranks of the Twelve Kizuki... the rest of us, including myself, were promoted based entirely on the number of demons we have killed. I have fought against members of the Upper Ranks before. And I hate to say this so bluntly... but relying solely on my own strength and techniques as they were before... I honestly believe I could spend my entire life training and still never be able to defeat an Upper Rank demon. I'm not saying this to belittle myself or anyone else—I am simply stating a fact."
"Casualties within our generation of Demon Slayers have been devastatingly high," he continued solemnly. "Right now, there are only six Pillars left alive. In my opinion, the main reason for this is simple: we haven't been strong enough to properly protect the younger generations coming up behind us, nor strong enough to put enough pressure on Muzan and the demons to restrain them. As a result, they have been able to act completely without fear or restraint, launching attacks wherever and whenever they please. There was even a period recently where demons would actively hunt down and kill our members just because they heard rumours that Demon Slayers were operating in a certain area..."
"So, taking everything into consideration... even though it hurts and feels wrong to admit it... I have decided to accept this power and use it to its fullest."
Hearing Ichiei's speech, the Wind Pillar gave a loud, cold hmph, then released his grip roughly, shoving Ichiei backward until he stumbled and fell to the floor.
He turned his back angrily and walked away to stand apart from the group.
"I think he is incredible! Unbelievably strong!"
Suddenly, Rengoku Tenjuro spoke up loudly and clearly, his voice booming through the room.
"The breathing method he taught us isn't just beneficial for us Pillars alone—it will help every member of the Demon Slayer Corps! With this knowledge, generation after generation of new Demon Slayers will grow far stronger and reach heights far beyond what we were capable of. It will also greatly shorten the time it takes before Muzan is finally defeated and killed. Therefore... I fully agree with Ichiei. This power is precious and must be preserved and passed down perfectly intact!"
"I agree as well," the Stone Pillar rumbled in his deep, heavy voice.
"You guys!" The Wind Pillar exploded in frustration once more.
Seeing the argument threatening to break out into open conflict again, Kagaya Ubuyashiki finally spoke up, his gentle voice cutting through the tension instantly.
By this point, Oboro's breathing method was already widely taught and practiced throughout the Corps. Aside from the Pillars, many high-ranking swordsmen had already begun learning and training in it. Even outside the active Corps members, several retired trainers and instructors had obtained written manuals and were studying the techniques closely themselves.
For Kagaya, it didn't matter whether Muzan died by his own hand or if the final blow was struck during his lifetime or long after he was gone.
The only thing that truly mattered was that Muzan had to be killed as soon as possible. Because the longer he lived, the more innocent lives he would destroy and the more suffering he would cause.
He didn't care about the glory or honour of being the one to kill the Demon King. His only desire was simple: Muzan must die.
Whoever accomplished the task... they would be the hero.
Seeing their Master express his support, the Wind Pillar had no choice but to close his mouth and remain silent.
"Based on everything we know of Oboro and his behaviour... it seems he has his own designs regarding the Demon Slayer Corps as well," Kagaya analysed calmly. "Although his complete disregard for human life is something we simply cannot accept or tolerate."
The room fell silent as the Pillars listened intently to their Master's assessment.
"What worries me most, however... is the possibility that someone like him could one day decide to join forces with Muzan. If he were to switch sides and align himself with the demons... the damage and devastation he could cause us would be absolutely catastrophic."
"..."
"However, you don't need to be overly worried. Even though I have only met him once, I can tell that he is not the kind of person who could ever be manipulated or controlled by Muzan... He originally turned into a demon solely to rid himself of his illness. Now that he has appeared once again, Muzan must have already sensed his presence. And knowing Muzan as I do, he will definitely seek Oboro out personally, because Oboro possesses exactly what Muzan wants most!"
Nothing in this world was absolute. Once Oboro and Muzan came into contact, who knew exactly what might happen? What if... just what if Muzan actually managed to persuade him to join forces?
"That will not happen," Kagaya said firmly.
Seeing the worried expressions spreading across the faces of the Pillars, Kagaya shook his head gently and continued:
"He was a demon once. If he truly craved the power of a demon or simply wanted to extend his lifespan indefinitely, he would never have gone through the trouble of turning himself back into a human... This proves that deep down, he holds the very nature of being a demon in utter contempt and disdain. To him, Muzan's blood was nothing more than a tool to be used and discarded. He is extremely determined to maintain his humanity and holds very strong principles regarding his identity. Therefore, even if Muzan meets him face-to-face, the outcome is already decided... In fact, Muzan might very well end up walking away with a bitter taste in his mouth."
"I suppose that is the one piece of good news we have to hold onto," one of them murmured quietly.
"There is something I just don't understand," Sayuri, the only female Pillar, suddenly spoke up.
"If he despises demons so much, why did he refuse to join the Demon Slayer Corps? Even if he didn't wish to stand alongside us, or simply thought we weren't worthy enough... there was no need for him to treat us so kindly, teach us his breathing method, or even go out of his way to correct our flaws and guide us personally."
Kagaya listened to her question and sank into deep thought for a moment.
He recalled clearly the first time he had met Oboro, and the impression the man had left upon him.
He slowly raised his head to gaze up toward the vast, clear blue sky.
"He has his own objectives... though what they might be remains a mystery to us. But for now, one thing is certain: we must remain vigilant and proceed with the utmost caution."
"He... is extremely dangerous."
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