What surprised the {Hidden} division members even more was Shinobu's forwardness towards a man, leading to inevitable misunderstandings.
Whispers erupted among the crowd, replacing the previous silence with a buzz of conversation.
The gossip centered on Ryuji and Shinobu.
Rumors about them began to spread.
Shinobu heard the whispers but couldn't stop them. Since Ryuji was also being discussed, she accepted the damage to her reputation.
Shinazugawa Genya stiffly turned to his brother, Shinazugawa Sanemi, exclaiming, "Sanemi, who is this Senior Ryuji? To dare tease the Insect Hashira like that—what audacity!"
"But why didn't the Insect Hashira retaliate? Is there some unknown connection between them?"
Sanemi was also shocked by the events and couldn't answer his brother's question. He didn't know much about Ryuji, only recalling the Demon Slayer selection.
After the shock subsided, Genya approached Ryuji and Tanjiro with a bright smile, respectfully addressing Ryuji as "Senior Ryuji!"
Having witnessed Ryuji's power, even as a rank-and-file member, Ryuji was far stronger than Genya, a high-ranking member.
Even without considering the incident with Shinobu, Ryuji's ability to take on two Lower Rank demons alone proved his strength.
Genya didn't know if Ryuji had killed the demons, but seeing him alive meant they hadn't been able to harm him.
"Senior Ryuji! It's great you're alright! If it weren't for you, my brother and I would have died on Spider Mountain!"
Genya's attitude was completely different from their first meeting. He now held immense respect for Ryuji.
Ryuji smiled faintly. "Protecting you was my duty. Someone has to step up in times of crisis."
Seeing Tanjiro and Inosuke on the stretchers, Sanemi inquired about their condition. Tanjiro briefly explained what happened.
While Tanjiro recounted his ordeal, Ryuji remembered Zenitsu Agatsuma. He wondered if Zenitsu had rejoined the main force.
With so many Demon Slayers deployed to Spider Mountain, Zenitsu should have encountered them at the base.
Ryuji told Tanjiro he'd check on Zenitsu nearby. Tanjiro, remembering Zenitsu, wasn't too worried. Zenitsu hadn't entered the mountain and shouldn't be in danger.
However, unbeknownst to Tanjiro and Ryuji, Zenitsu later entered the mountain alone, worried about Nezuko.
Ryuji moved through the camp, searching for the blond-haired Zenitsu among the hundreds of people.