With the presence of Master Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the whole situation calmed down quickly, as every Hashira knelt to the ground, showcasing their utmost respect for their master.
"Get to your feet, Hashiras, and let us begin with the matter," he said, and everyone rose, standing back in place.
"Master, I think you have already heard about the matter. These two have broken the rules of the Demon Slayer Corps by protecting a demon. Tanjiro Kamado, the new Corps member, was caught traveling with a demon, which is completely against our code and rules. If you give permission, we can proceed with their punishment,"
Sanemi was the first to speak, laying out the situation in full.
"Calm down, Sanemi, my son. I understand your concern over the situation, but making a hasty decision would not solve the problem in any way, would it?"
Kagaya's voice was respectful and gentle, yet firm.
Sanemi's anger was still clear on his face, but after Kagaya's attempt to calm him, he fell silent — though his eyes remained locked on Tanjiro, and then on the box carrying the demon girl, Nezuko.
From the other side, Obanai Iguro shifted slightly, his serpent Kaburamaru's head lifting as if sensing the tension.
"Master… with all due respect, if this demon is allowed to remain, what message does that send to the rest of the Corps?" His voice was low but carried an edge, his eyes narrowing toward the wooden box.
Mitsuri Kanroji clasped her hands together nervously.
"B-but Master… if Ishida and Tanjiro both believe in her, maybe she's really different? I know it's unusual, but… maybe we can find a way without killing her…" Her tone was hopeful, though her voice wavered under the weight of the meeting.
From the corner, Tengen Uzui exhaled sharply.
"Either way, it's not flashy to keep the Corps in suspense. We should know now whether she lives or dies."
Muichiro Tokito, still gazing absently at the clouds, finally spoke without looking at anyone.
"This is a waste of time… if she's dangerous, just kill her. If she's not, then there's no problem."
Through it all, Ishida remained silent, his gaze steady on the master. Tanjiro, kneeling beside him, gripped the fabric of his hakama tightly but said nothing this time.
Kagaya's serene expression didn't falter.
"My children, I understand each of your perspectives. This is not a matter to be decided on impulse or emotion. Before we act, you will all hear the full truth of this case — and then, we shall decide together."
Kagaya's voice was calm and gentle, yet carried a tone of confidence and assurance that made one feel everything would be alright in no time. And just as expected, the tension eased ever so slightly among the Hashiras.
Still, the question lingered in everyone's mind — how was the decision going to be made?
After speaking, Kagaya turned his face toward the far left of the line of Hashiras from his perspective. Standing there, at the very end, was Ishida.
"Ishida, I understand you have shown the most confidence among the Hashiras regarding the innocence of this girl," Kagaya said softly, his pale eyes resting on him. "But can you prove her innocence, here and now, before everyone?"
All eyes shifted toward Ishida. Even Sanemi's glare sharpened, his lips curling into the faintest hint of a scoff.
Obanai adjusted the coil of his snake, clearly expecting the younger Hashira to falter under such direct pressure.
Mitsuri leaned forward slightly, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Ishida, however, did not move immediately. His calm expression remained the same, his gaze fixed on Kagaya for a brief moment before he let his eyes drift toward the small wooden box in the shade.
A faint breeze passed through the courtyard.
Then, slowly, Ishida took one step forward.
"Yes, Master," he said, his voice steady, deliberate. "I can prove it."
The faint ripple of murmurs among some of the Hashiras was quickly silenced by Kagaya's raised hand.
"Then… show us, Ishida."
A faint smile appeared on Kagaya's face, as if he had been expecting this answer from Ishida all along.
"Very well. Then proceed," he said gently.
Ishida gave a small nod and stepped forward toward the wooden box. The Kakushis standing guard over it looked at him, awaiting instructions.
"Open it," Ishida ordered calmly.
They hesitated for the briefest moment before obeying.
As they moved to unfasten the latches, Ishida's eyes shifted slightly over his shoulder. For a moment, his gaze met that of another Hashira — Giyu Tomioka.
Giyu held his stare, silent as ever, but there was a quiet understanding in his expression. No words passed between them, yet the message was clear.
The final latch clicked open.
A soft creak followed as the lid lifted, revealing the dark interior of the box. Inside, Nezuko sat silently, her small frame curled neatly, the bamboo muzzle still secured over her mouth. Her eyes glimmered faintly in the shade, calm and unthreatening.
The courtyard grew still. Every Hashira's attention was fixed on her — some skeptical, some cautious, others quietly curious.
Ishida took one slow step closer, his shadow partially falling over the box.
"Nezuko," he said in a steady tone, not loud, but clear enough for everyone to hear. "Step out."