Chapter 9: Demon Slayer Blade, Part 4

The Hashira meeting commenced. The agenda: how to treat me and gather information about Kibutsuji Muzan.

“Very well. Let’s begin with the question everyone is most curious about.”

Ubuyashiki’s words drew all eyes towards me, their gazes intensifying.

“Can you tell us about Kibutsuji Muzan?”

I saw no reason to withhold information, so I spoke frankly.

“He’s strong. Even if all the Hashira here were to attack him at once, you wouldn’t be able to kill him. You’d be more likely to be killed yourselves.”

Shinazugawa Sanemi, the Wind Hashira, reacted angrily.

“Who are you to say such a thing?!”

I unleashed a fraction of my power, letting the aura of the Demonic God emanate from me.

“I’m simply stating a fact.”

The Hashira, sensing my power, widened their eyes in surprise.

“Then we have no choice but to believe him! As much as it pains me to admit it, he’s powerful!”

Rengoku Kyojuro, the Flame Hashira, declared.

While the others didn’t explicitly agree, they silently acknowledged his words.

‘If he’s this strong… we might actually be able to kill him…’

Shinobu, having sensed my power, now held a glimmer of hope.

Then, I spoke, “I will be the one to kill Muzan. So you don’t have to worry.”

Ubuyashiki smiled. “That’s reassuring to hear.”

Normally, speaking informally to Ubuyashiki would incur the wrath of the other Hashira.

However, I felt no such pressure.

They recognized that I was on a different level.

‘Once Muzan is dead, it’ll all be over.’

There was no need to focus on building relationships in this world. I was confident that once I fully awakened my powers as the Demonic God, I could defeat Kibutsuji Muzan.

Furthermore, true bonds couldn’t be forced. They formed through shared experiences and mutual trust.

“With that said, the other matters on the agenda are irrelevant. We lack the power to restrain Demonic God. However, I’m pleased. We’ve gained a powerful ally capable of defeating Kibutsuji Muzan. Shall we conclude the meeting? I believe we’ve heard all we need to.”

Ubuyashiki Kagaya made eye contact with each Hashira, finally settling his gaze on me.

It was peculiar. He was supposedly blind, yet he could pinpoint my location with such accuracy.

“You are dismissed.”

With those words, the Hashira bowed.

“Thank you for your guidance, Master!”

Witnessing their genuine respect for Ubuyashiki, I made a resolution.

This was the path of the Demonic God I would follow.

Ruthless towards enemies, but merciful and trustworthy to allies.

Back at the Butterfly Mansion after the Hashira meeting, I sat at the dining table with Shinobu.

She had invited me to join her for dinner.

This wasn’t unusual; we dined together almost daily since my arrival.

Except when duty called.

I had been granted autonomy. My goal was to grow stronger, requiring me to seek out powerful demons. Fighting weak demons wouldn’t improve my skills.

“I didn’t realize you were so powerful, Demonic God.”

Shinobu spoke as we ate.

“That’s understandable. You’ve never seen me fight.”

My confident reply made her hesitate, as if unsure whether to speak.

“Speak freely. I’m your ally.”

Reassured, she spoke clearly, “If I die fighting Doma, please avenge me. I know it’s a difficult request, but…”

I smiled. “Shinobu, you won’t die. I’ll kill Doma first. So you don’t have to worry.

Just trust me.

Ah, but having some poison would make it easier.”

My innocent words made her laugh.

“You always surprise me, Demonic God… Very well, I’ll create the strongest poison for you. Please kill Doma with it.”

She seemed to have relinquished her desire to personally kill Doma.

Perhaps my presence had given her peace of mind.

With peace of mind came rational thinking.

Thus, another night passed at the Butterfly Mansion.