So that's why Tanjiro had been asking everywhere about ways to turn demons back into humans…
On the road back to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, Kazuki had already learned part of the truth from Shinobu.
The demon girl named Nezuko was Tanjiro's younger sister. While Tanjiro had been away from home, demons attacked his family—everyone except his sister was killed, and the surviving sister was turned into a demon.
Sigh… How will this end up turning out?
Looking up at the sun hanging high in the sky, Kazuki felt that this situation had developed far beyond his expectations.
According to the Corps' rules, Tanjiro's actions constituted harboring a demon. That alone was enough to warrant execution under Corps law.
However, thinking about Tanjiro's character, Kazuki couldn't believe he would protect a demon that had eaten humans. Recalling the question Shinobu had asked earlier, he guessed that perhaps Tanjiro's demon sister didn't eat people.
Although the probability of such a thing was extremely low—Kazuki had never heard of a demon that didn't eat humans—he still hoped that this was the case.
If Nezuko truly didn't eat people, then he would do everything he could to protect both of them.
If she had eaten humans… then only Tanjiro could be spared.
Kazuki thought silently. Although Tanjiro was his friend and someone he held in high regard, his bottom line was clear: demons who ate humans were unforgivable. If Nezuko had crossed that line, he would not choose mercy.
That said, the fact that the Master's order was to bring Tanjiro and Nezuko back, rather than execute them on the spot, suggested that the outcome might not be entirely bleak.
Originally, Kazuki had planned to ask Zenitsu what was really going on. Unfortunately, Zenitsu was currently wrapped up like a mummy and couldn't speak at all—asking him would be pointless.
Sunlight spilled across the familiar courtyard as the Hashira were once again summoned together, only a few days after their last gathering.
The Wind Hashira was still training and hadn't arrived yet. The other Hashira were already present. Giyu, after lying down for a while, had mostly recovered and stood alone to one side. Shinobu explained the general situation to the gathered Hashira.
The Kakushi carrying Tanjiro set him down. Kazuki stepped forward and untied the ropes binding him.
"Kazuki-sama…"
The Kakushi looked conflicted. Although no explicit order had been given on how to treat Tanjiro, he had violated Corps rules. Binding him to prevent resistance was standard procedure.
"Thank you. But with all the Hashira here, there won't be any problems," Kazuki said calmly.
"Yes," the Kakushi replied, saying nothing further.
"Hey, Kazuki. This guy violated the rules, didn't he? And he even harbored a demon. What do you think you're doing? That's not flashy at all," Tengen Uzui said with some displeasure.
"He's badly injured. Keeping him tied could worsen his condition. And with all of us Hashira here, there's no need to worry about him resisting," Kazuki replied.
Using the Transparent World earlier, he had already seen the extent of Tanjiro's injuries—both internal and external. They were severe. At this point, even moving was probably difficult for him.
For now, Kazuki was still willing to believe that Tanjiro had his reasons.
Freed from the ropes, the surrounding noise stirred Tanjiro awake.
"Yō? Why are you here? Nezu—cough, cough…"
Seeing Kazuki upon waking, Tanjiro was confused, but his concern immediately shifted to Nezuko's whereabouts. His injuries were too serious—after just a few words, he began coughing violently.
"Hey! The ones standing before you are the highest-ranking Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps. Show some respect!" a Kakushi scolded him angrily.
"It's fine. We knew each other before—he's my friend," Kazuki said, waving it off.
Then he turned back to Tanjiro.
"Your injuries are severe. You should speak as little as possible right now. You'll need your strength later—there will be a lot you'll have to say."
Hashira? The highest rank?
Didn't we join the Corps together? Isn't my rank still Mizunoto… the lowest one?
The Kakushi's words left Tanjiro stunned. When he looked at Kazuki again, there was newfound admiration in his eyes.
"Before the judgment begins, let us first state the crimes you've committed—" Shinobu began once she saw Tanjiro awaken. What she knew was limited to the fact that the demon was Tanjiro's sister.
"There's no need for a judgment!" Kyojuro Rengoku suddenly declared, his voice as powerful as ever.
"Harboring a demon is a clear violation of Corps law! We Hashira alone are sufficient to pass judgment! Both the swordsman and the demon should be beheaded together!" he shouted.
Kazuki wasn't surprised by Rengoku's stance. After spending time with his teacher, he understood his personality well—warm, caring, quick to act, and often decisive to a fault, sometimes reaching conclusions before hearing everything. Yet he was also deeply perceptive of emotions and compassionate toward people.
Even so, his attitude toward demons was unwavering: demons were beings that must be slain.
"Then allow me to flashily cut off his head. I'll make his blood spray in the most spectacular way possible—so flashy it'll be unbelievable," Uzui chimed in.
"Ah… what a pitiful child. So miserable, just to have been born at all. Let me put you out of your misery," Gyomei said, tears streaming as he clasped his hands together.
"Yes, very flashy," Uzui agreed.
"I think we should let him explain himself first. Tanjiro is a friend I met during the Final Selection. He never hesitated to cut down demons, and he saved many people during the exam. I believe there's a reason behind what he's done. Please—give him a chance."
Seeing that several Hashira were about to execute Tanjiro on the spot, Kazuki stood up and bowed deeply to them.
I couldn't save that boy back then… I won't stand by and let Tanjiro suffer the same fate.
Unlike the other Hashira, Kazuki had a certain understanding of Tanjiro. He believed Tanjiro could give an explanation he could accept—and he hoped that would be the case.
The Hashira were momentarily stunned by Kazuki's actions. The courtyard fell silent. Even Obanai, who had been perched in a tree and seemed ready to speak, held his tongue.
Likewise, the other Hashira had their own understanding of Kazuki. The matters of the Mark and the Crimson Blade had already proven that he was someone willing to give everything for the eradication of demons.
"Very well! Since little Yō says so, we'll let this boy explain himself!" Rengoku said first.
"But if he cannot provide a reasonable explanation, then he will still be executed alongside the demon!"
The other Hashira said nothing further.
Tanjiro looked at Kazuki, his heart filled with gratitude.
Kazuki straightened up, turned to face Tanjiro, and spoke.
"Go on, Tanjiro. I want to hear the reason myself."
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