Shinji was naturally aware of the Demon Slayer Corps' existence and their intent to conceal demons to prevent widespread panic.
But Karin's hypothesis gave him a new perspective.
Unlike the original Demon Slayer world, the presence of the mysterious 'Lampbearer' should have made the power dynamic between demons and the Demon Slayer Corps heavily imbalanced.
In other words.
The Demon Slayer Corps likely lacked the ability to fully conceal the existence of demons.
Yet, the current situation was that demons remained largely unknown to the general public, circulating only as urban legends or folklore among specific groups.
This was highly intriguing.
Who could keep such powerful demons in check, forcing them to remain hidden in the shadows?
Considering that even the Corps' Hashiras had become pawns of the mysterious figure, it was fair to say no one in the Demon Slayer world could stop them—except perhaps the mysterious figure themselves.
Following this line of thought, it wasn't hard to hypothesize that the one suppressing the demons' presence was likely the mysterious figure, the Demon King!
Thus, Shinji issued an order to Karin, instructing her to investigate newspapers, police stations, and other government institutions to see if she could uncover any demons lurking within.
In this chakra-less world, Karin's 'Kagura Mind's Eye' was indeed useless, but at close range, she could still sense the overwhelming life force of demons, making the investigation feasible for her.
...
Mount Sagiri.
Even with deliberately slowed steps, Haku quickly arrived at Mount Sagiri, one of the Demon Slayer Corps' training grounds mentioned by Ichiki.
Upon entering the mountainous area, the surroundings consisted only of dilapidated farmhouses, a stark contrast to the bustling city, as if they were two different worlds.
Walking along the rugged mountain path, Haku remained vigilant.
Through 'Jikibi,' he had reported to Shinji his plan to infiltrate the Demon Slayer Corps and gather intelligence on the mysterious figure.
Shinji hadn't expected Haku to make contact with the Corps so quickly and secure a chance to train at Mount Sagiri.
Recognizing this as another intelligence channel, Shinji didn't stop Haku's attempt but cautioned him against underestimating the enemy. Since all the Corps' Hashiras had joined the invasion of the shinobi world, even Shinji couldn't be certain of the Corps' current state.
Before long, as Haku strolled through the forest, he heard a commotion.
Following the sound, he saw several youths on a hillside ahead, dodging bamboo traps while stumbling toward the base of the mountain.
Haku paused to watch, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
It was clear this was a training exercise to hone physical reflexes and coordination, though the methods were somewhat primitive.
"What are you smiling at?"
Suddenly, a voice sounded behind Haku.
Haku calmly turned, sizing up the speaker—an elderly man with a hunched back, hands clasped behind him. His age was evident, but a flamboyant tengu mask obscured his face.
As Haku observed the old man, the old man was also studying him: "You're the genius Ichiki mentioned in his letter?"
Haku nodded lightly, "Ichiki-senpai did write a recommendation for me. May I ask, are you the one in charge of training us here?"
The old man nodded, turning with a sigh, "Follow me!"
For some reason, Haku sensed deep fatigue and helplessness in the old man, as if he were struggling against an unstoppable tide.
Soon, Haku followed him to a cabin on the mountainside.
The old man caught his breath, then scrutinized Haku more seriously than before, "I thought Ichiki was exaggerating again, but it seems he wasn't lying this time."
Haku suddenly understood.
The old man had asked him to follow to test his stamina and speed, and the result was obvious.
Though the old man was a former Hashira, the 'Breathing Techniques' only unlocked physical potential, and with age, his strength had naturally declined significantly.
Haku was different.
Thanks to chakra, his stamina far surpassed that of ordinary people in the Demon Slayer world. Combined with his mastery of the 'Swift Release' shinobi taijutsu, keeping up with the old man was effortless.
Haku's arrival seemed to invigorate the weary old man, who pointed to a narrow path down the mountain and instructed, "Take that path down. You saw the traps along the way. If you can perfectly avoid them all, I'll take you as my disciple!"
"Alright."
Haku nodded and set off down the trap-laden path.
For a shinobi, especially one as meticulous and bold as Haku, such a test was child's play.
To avoid standing out too much, Haku deliberately slowed his pace. Otherwise, with his speed, he could have leaped through the trees, ignoring all the ground traps.
Following behind, the old man's expression shifted from serious to solemn, and finally, his masked face was filled with astonishment.
He had already overestimated Haku, but he hadn't expected Haku's talent to surpass all his former disciples—no, everyone he had ever met!
"Who's that guy?"
"So fast!"
"Is he one of the master's disciples? Why haven't we seen him before?"
"Damn, has this guy already mastered the Breathing Techniques? Is he an official Demon Slayer Corps swordsman?"
The youths stumbling along the mountain path were soon overtaken and surpassed by Haku.
Watching him breeze through, effortlessly dodging every trap without so much as dirtying his clothes, their shock was palpable.
Before long, Haku reached the base of the mountain.
The old man followed closely, landing beside him, and asked, "How did you do that?"
Haku replied, "I've always been agile since I was young!"
"I must say, you're a lot like that person!" the old man remarked, then continued, "Have you thought it through? The situation now is graver than ever. Joining the Corps at this time might mean dying at a demon's hands tomorrow!"
Haku nodded, "I'm not afraid of demons!"
The old man looked pleased, "Good. From now on, I'll guide you in training the 'Breathing Techniques.' With your talent, I believe you'll master 'Water Breathing' in less than a month!"
"Yes!"
Haku nodded again.
He then learned the old man's name: Sakonji Urokodaki.
...
Atop a mountain peak.
Shinji gazed at the celestial anomaly in the sky, then lowered his head to sense the 'Lamp' hanging at his waist, murmuring to himself, "As expected, this world has been targeted by a Hegemon…"