Nonsense.
Whether Kanae, Ritsuka, or Shinobu, or those female Corps members I'd seen.
No one had ever worn this kind of Corps uniform that exposed the chest.
In my impression, the Corps uniform was like armor swordsmen wore close to their bodies.
The Ubuyashiki Clan invested considerable money. The tailor provided exquisite craftsmanship. Combined different, rare and expensive silks or fabrics. Transformed them into the current Corps uniforms.
If facing demons as vicious as the Twelve Kizuki, the Corps uniform was no different from ordinary clothing.
But facing ordinary demons, this uniform that didn't hinder movement could still provide considerable protection.
And the vast majority of Corps members had to face precisely this level of demons.
So the Corps regulations also had a rule requiring everyone to wear their uniforms properly on missions.
Admittedly, the current era had opened up considerably. Clothing styles also tended toward form-fitting and lightweight.
I'd seen young girls wearing short skirt-style uniforms. Also knew quite a few Corps members adjusted their uniform styles according to their own ideas.
As long as this was their own choice, of course I wouldn't interfere.
But this dress Mitsuri wore was different.
After the Hashira meeting ended, I pulled the girls present aside for a small meeting. Discussed whether this uniform constituted malicious bullying targeting female Corps members.
Surprisingly, they told me everyone initially received such an outfit.
"That tailor is named Maeda. Though arbitrarily judging others' character is somewhat rude, forgive my bluntness—his conduct is truly despicable."
Shinobu said very impolitely that she and Kanae had also received the same uniform.
Kanae was unwilling to casually criticize others. Only said perhaps there was a misunderstanding. Wrote back asking the tailor to remake the uniform according to correct measurements.
Result—Maeda played dead and didn't reply.
Shinobu flew into a rage. Brought that outfit and stormed to the Kakushi.
In front of Maeda, poured lamp oil on it. One match later, burned the clothes clean.
"Sister's and my Tsuguko, also Kanao and Kiyo—I instructed them to definitely carry matches for self-defense."
Ritsuka also wasn't happy. Because after changing into this uniform for the first time, she ran into Sabito and Giyuu.
Was mocked to her face by Sabito: "What weird getup is this? Are you a pervert?"
Ritsuka immediately exploded. First gave Sabito a kick. Turned and stormed to the tailor. Without a word—BAM BAM—gave him two punches.
After that, the uniforms she received were all normal sizes. Wore very comfortably and snugly.
I felt this tailor probably needed a beating in his bones.
After asking around, seemed every newly joined female Corps member received such clothing.
Just that everyone was very disgusted. After solemn protest, got a normal uniform.
The flush faded from Mitsuri's face. Only bewilderment remained. "Eh, so... so only I'm dressed like this?!"
Shinobu and Ritsuka stepped forward from left and right. Patted her shoulders. Very friendly and warm.
One said: "It's fine. Sister Kanae still has an old uniform. She and you have similar builds. First change out of this outfit. I'll help you burn it."
The other said: "This time I won't just punch him twice. I'll hang him up and beat him."
They were fiercer than each other. Scared Mitsuri into waving her hands repeatedly. Also said somewhat hesitantly: "It's not to that degree. Just wearing it was a bit uncomfortable at first. After a while, it... got better."
"No." I said. "This isn't a small matter."
They all looked at me. I said calmly: "First change into Kanae's old uniform. Then tell me what style clothes you like. I'll get you a new set."
Two days later, I headed straight to the logistics office where the Kakushi were located. Called over three helpers from my business holdings.
Two burly, strong men walked behind me. Muscles clearly defined on their bodies. Everyone encountered along the way involuntarily made way.
The Kakushi had more contact with me than ordinary Corps members. Though they didn't know my specific identity, all knew my rank was very high.
So they just hid to the side to watch the excitement. No one called over the on-duty Corps members.
I walked unobstructed into the tailor's workshop. Sat on a high stool. Raised my head to survey the room.
"Maeda Masao?"
He was a small man wrapped up tightly. Glasses perched on his nose bridge. Narrow little eyes darting everywhere. His forehead seemed covered in a layer of sweat.
"Yes... yes, that's this humble one. May I ask who you are?"
I didn't answer. Raised my hand in signal. The woman who'd silently followed in stepped forward two paces. Opened the bundle in her arms.
She deftly put the uniform in her hands onto a mannequin. Fastened the buttons on the clothes. Then quietly retreated to the side.
"This uniform was designed by you, right?" My tone was calm. Could even be called amiable as I asked him.
He was very good at reading expressions. Didn't relax because of this. Answered cautiously: "Indeed from this humble one's hand."
I reached out and tugged at that chest that wouldn't close. Continued asking: "Then why did you design such ill-fitting clothes?"
He seemed to stare at me suspiciously. Then quickly lowered his head... But I still saw his eyeballs spinning around. Clearly his mind was racing.
"Uh, this lady, you don't understand. This is avant-garde art. The hottest trendy style currently."
He really found an excuse. Maeda spoke faster and faster. His back straightened. Very righteous and confident.
He openly talked about various theories transmitted from the West. Humanities, arts.
Also told me about liberating thought, returning to authenticity. In short—eloquent arguments.
I listened without a sound. The woman beside me left the room at some point. Not long after, walked back. Brought several cups of hot tea.
Holding a cup of tea, slowly sipping. By the time I drank half, Maeda's voice finally became halting. Finally grew smaller and smaller.
When he quieted down, I smiled at him. "So you're liberating human nature, right?"
Maeda's forceful swallowing sound was very loud in the silent room.
He didn't answer.
I didn't need him to answer again. Gently waved my hand. "Good. Then I'll let you liberate to your heart's content. Strip off all his clothes!"
Maeda let out a terrified scream. But my capable subordinates had already pounced like eagles. Grabbed him like picking up a chick. Dragged him behind the screen.
I sat calmly listening to the sound of clothes tearing. Midway called my subordinate out to buy me some pastries. The Western kind with milk and honey.
She pulled open the door. Outside, a huge crowd of Kakushi members scattered running. One ran too hastily—even lost a shoe.
I thought again. Added: "Leave him a cloth to cover up. So children won't hurt their eyes seeing."
My subordinate was very obedient. Said to leave him a cloth—really used a string to tie a small cloth. Blocked between his legs.
To ensure he could still live after today, I thoughtfully left the mask and hood Maeda wore on his head.
Subordinates carried him out. I looked up and down. Very satisfied with his ashen expression. Gently waved. "Good. Parade him through the streets like this."
Maeda had already given up struggling. Like a dead fish, carried by my two subordinates. Didn't even need to walk himself. Just floated out like that.
I heard quite a few screams and exclamations along the way outside. Also many hurried footsteps.
Instead, this tailor shop suddenly quieted down. Outside, seemed no one dared approach.
Only my subordinate returned. Brought me a freshly baked honey crepe. Carefully cut into small pieces with knife and fork.
I used the fork to slowly finish eating. Then began drinking black tea to cut the richness. Only then did my subordinate bring Maeda back.
I thought I'd already been quite lenient with him. Just had people grab him to walk around the village once. Didn't drag him to town to parade. Help him land on tomorrow's newspaper headlines.
How was this not lenient?
After dragging him back, subordinates found a cloak and tossed it to him to wear.
Maeda clutched the clothes tightly. Lowered his head without speaking.
I didn't need any response from him either. Slowly asked him: "How does liberating nature feel? Now do you understand how much strange attention those girls had to endure being forced to expose their chests?"
Of course, he didn't exactly force others to cater to his preferences. Didn't threaten those girls to wear these clothes.
Just sent them "ill-fitting" clothes... If someone seriously protested, unwilling to accept such clothing, he'd also provide normal uniforms.
Seemed like just a tailor mixing a little personal hobby into work.
But—
Why should they?
Why should those girls have to tolerate his proclivities, first accept an "ill-fitting" outfit?
Fighting demons was clearly so dangerous. The strength gap between women and demons even more disparate. The uniform could only provide this meager protection.
Some people actually, for their own hobbies, made them expose such an important part as the chest. Blatantly exposed the position near the heart to demons.
Couldn't even get this meager protection. Even had to actively fight for it themselves to get equal treatment.
Why?
"Who allowed you to use such a frivolous attitude to make important uniforms?"
I heard myself grinding my teeth loudly. The teacup in my hand also made sounds on the verge of shattering. As if fury also surged endlessly through all my blood vessels.
If he were a demon, I'd definitely carefully tear off his limbs. Make him cry and repent his actions.
I'd make him die in the most painful way.
Such a pity. I thought coldly. Gently ground my sharp canines. Told him softly: "Be grateful you're human."
Maeda curled tightly into a ball. Body constantly trembling. Don't know if he heard.
But a gentle voice came from the door: "Precisely so. Mr. Maeda, your actions are truly improper."
I looked over naturally. Standing at the doorway was precisely Kanae.
She'd changed into lightweight clothes. Sweat from hurrying over still on her face. Probably ran too urgently—couldn't help coughing again.
Seeing her, my anger dissipated again. Got up and helped her sit down. Found the medicine she carried from her bag.
Watched her take medicine. Finally didn't cough so much. My expression also eased.
"Why did you suddenly come?"
Kanae took out a letter from her bag. Gently waved it. "For this. Mr. Maeda, Lord Kagaya heard of your actions. Believes you're no longer suitable to serve as tailor. The new tailor will be designated by Miss Chihaya. As for your new work—"
Kanae tilted her head slightly. Playfully winked at me. "What does Miss Chihaya think?"
I knew she rushed over so urgently because she feared I'd do something I'd regret in my fury.
Removing Maeda from his position, letting me decide what he'd do henceforth—also Kagaya's response to me.
I said: "Have him clean toilets."
Kanae couldn't help giggling. Didn't object. "Alright—let's do as you say."
I was too lazy to care how much shadow today would leave on Maeda's fragile psyche. Anyway, this workshop no longer belonged to him now.
Kanae clearly still had things to tell me. I had subordinates get a set of clothes. Brought him out again. Wherever he wanted to go put on clothes and sulk.
"The Demon Slayer Corps' new tailor will be my subordinate Mione."
Mione bowed beside me. She was a taciturn woman. But quite meticulous in thought.
Could add beautiful patterns and linings to clothes without violating rules. Also add some clever small designs at the cuffs.
I'd already had her make a new uniform to send to Mitsuri. Believed she'd like her new uniform.
Mione went out to greet her future new colleagues. Conveniently closed the door.
Only the two of us remained in the room. Kanae's smile faded slightly. Sighed.
"Lord Kagaya heard of this matter. Feels very guilty."
"This isn't his fault." I said. "For everyone, this doesn't count as a big deal. Naturally couldn't reach his ears."
Even I, who could run around freely, hadn't discovered this matter. If blaming anyone, of course blame me first.
Kanae smiled again. "Alright. I came to find you—not about who to blame."
"Through this matter, Lord Kagaya believes he's perhaps been somewhat lax in managing the Demon Slayer Corps internally."
Insufficient personnel and a mixed bag—always two problems the Demon Slayer Corps had.
Originally not a big deal. Like how Mitsuri didn't join the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge family—the Corps also had quite a few demon hunters who came here purely for high compensation.
They didn't have such strong sense of responsibility. No sense of justice either... But as long as they still fulfilled their duties, the Demon Slayer Corps could accept them.
"Maeda's behavior has continued for a long time. But whether the Kakushi or ordinary Corps members, none reported upward."
Kanae said gently: "Lord Kagaya worries—in corners we haven't noticed, such unjust matters still exist."
Made sense. Using a little power in hand to casually bully others—not novel anywhere.
"Kagaya saying this means he has a plan?"
"Yes. Lord Kagaya says now is a good opportunity. I'll preside over an internal purge operation. Any behavior violating Corps regulations—absolutely no forgiveness."
Kanae said, then winked again. "This is the public operation. As for covert investigations—that's entrusted to you."
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