"Did you fight them?" Even Tokito Muichiro, usually the quietest Hashira, added to Uzui Tengen's question.
Sanemi Shinazugawa slammed his fist onto the ground, joining the interrogation. "What was Muzan doing? Did you find his hideout? Answer me, you disrespectful brat!"
Uzui Tengen, annoyed that Sanemi had interrupted, barked, "Shut up, I asked first! Tell us about Muzan's abilities!"
Ryuji showed no intention of answering, watching the unfolding scene with detached amusement.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki, witnessing the Hashira's bickering, raised a finger to his lips, signaling for silence. The room fell instantly quiet; Sanemi and Uzui ceased their argument immediately, their competitive spirits momentarily quelled by the Master's subtle gesture.
Once order was restored, Kagaya continued. "Muzan sent Lower Moons to hunt down Ryuji and Tanjiro. Four Lower Moons died at Ryuji's hands, but Muzan's pursuit won't stop easily. This is the first time we've had Muzan in our sights, and I'm not willing to let this opportunity slip away. I hope you understand."
His gaze shifted to Ryuji. "Nezuko may have undergone changes that even Muzan didn't foresee. The possibility of reverting a demon back to human form might be realized through her."
Sanemi, despite the Master's words, remained resolute. "Master, I cannot comply! While I might spare a human, a demon is a different matter entirely! We, the Demon Slayer Corps, have risked our lives fighting demons, enduring immense sacrifices. I cannot accept Nezuko's existence within the Corps."
Ryuji's eyes hardened at Sanemi's unwavering stance. The stronger Sanemi's resolve to kill Nezuko, the stronger Ryuji's own killing intent became. Nezuko's life was intrinsically linked to his; he couldn't afford to be eliminated by the system.
Sanemi rose to his feet, addressing Ryuji with barely controlled fury. "Brat! Dare you let me prove to you just how vile demons truly are!"
Sanemi didn't attempt to forcefully take the cedarwood box containing Nezuko from Ryuji, understanding that a direct confrontation would be unwise given Ryuji's demonstrated strength.
Ryuji, anticipating Sanemi's plan – to use his own blood to trigger Nezuko's demonic instincts – didn't immediately agree. Instead, he countered, "What if you can't prove it?"
Sanemi, supremely confident, declared, "My blood is rare blood. No demon can resist its allure, not even that Nezuko, no matter how special she claims to be!"
A slight smile touched Ryuji's lips. So, the Wind Hashira's confidence rested on his rare bloodline.
"Very well," Ryuji stated, his voice calm but unwavering. "If Nezuko doesn't attack you, possessing this rare blood, then you must accept Nezuko as a human, not a demon! But if, after this demonstration, you still fail to acknowledge her humanity, then I will kill you."
The challenge hung heavy in the air, a high-stakes gamble with potentially devastating consequences for Sanemi. The fate of Nezuko, and perhaps the very future of the Demon Slayer Corps, rested on the outcome. The ensuing silence was thick with anticipation, broken only by the gentle rustling of the wisteria trees.
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